In 2025, Shandong province is set to boost the global presence of its products by helping over 10,000 businesses secure international orders and grow their market share. On the very first day of the new year, the first batch of goods began its journey via trains, planes, and ships, marking a strong start to the year for Shandong-made exports.

On Jan 1, the first China-Europe freight train of the year departs from Jinan, Shandong province, bound for Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. [Photo/Dazhong News]

On Jan 1, the first China-Europe freight train of the year departed from Jinan, Shandong province, carrying a variety of goods including steel coils, machinery, and tires valued at approximately 15 million yuan ($2.05 million). This 52-car train is bound for Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

With a focus on expanding the scale of freight train operations, enhancing operational quality, and improving the logistics chain, Shandong is poised to further deepen its involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthen regional connectivity and supply chain stability.

On Jan 1, an aircraft loaded with 9.4 metric tons of electronic products, cross-border e-commerce parcels, and postal packages took off from Yantai International Airport, bound for Osaka, Japan.

On the same day, a cargo ship carrying over 10,000 standard containers of goods such as new energy vehicles, machinery, electronics, and daily necessities departed from Qingdao Port, a subsidiary of Shandong Port Group, heading for Mediterranean countries.

Shandong Port Group reported that in 2024, it had opened 357 shipping routes, including 258 foreign trade routes, connecting over 180 countries and regions worldwide. This extensive network has significantly contributed to Shandong's growing role in global trade.