The European Silk Road Summit 2024 is over, after a day full of interesting debates and knowledge-sharing moments. One of the highlights of the event was the rising role that eastern Europe is playing for Eurasian transport. After all, as it was argued at the event, the increasing number of hubs in this area might facilitate the redistribution of cargo from China and Central Asia throughout the Old Continent.
In a panel discussion involving Dmitrij Hasenkampf from RTSB, Martin Koubek from METRANS, Alexander Mironow from DL Europe and Igor Maiorov from InterRail Europe discussed the current situation concerning Eurasian transport. In a period characterised by geopolitical instability on various fronts, the rail freight industry seems to remain optimistic, with most reporting increases in volumes in 2024, as Koubek pointed out.
The main points of connection between China and Europe, when it comes to trade, are in Germany, with Duisburg and Hamburg as the biggest example. However, if cargo needs to reach destinations more east, developing a more efficient Eurasian network in central and eastern Europe might bring significant benefits to the rail freight industry.
Redirecting cargo from China via rail to eastern Europe might also help decongest the often overcrowded German locations mentioned above. Simply put, if there are more hubs throughout Europe, it will be easier to avoid congestion. China is also investing in the area, especially in Serbia and Hungary, which are two of the four countries in Europe that Chinese President Xi Jinping recently visited.
Middle Corridor is not there yet
Countries in Central Asia have been investing significantly in upgrading their railway infrastructure and equipment. Moreover, many new initiatives were launched by these countries both on a national and international level. “The real developments will be visible in a couple of years”, Maiorov argued. Other than providing a new trading route with China, the Middle Corridor can open up new connections between Europe and Central Asian countries, the speakers agreed.
The role of Vienna
Vienna, the location of this edition of the European Silk Road Summit, might not see many freight trains coming from China and Central Asia, but it does have a unique business environment. “All the big market players have offices here”, Mironov highlighted. Hasenkampf underlined how the city is at a crossroads between eastern and western Europe, making it logical for it to develop into a business hub for the industry.
