The first China-Europe (Xiamen) cold-chain train is set to leave Xiamen for Russia on Oct 19. [Photo/Xiamen FTZ]

The first China-Europe (Xiamen) cold-chain train set off on Oct 19 from the Xiamen Area of the China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone and is expected to arrive at Moscow, Russia in 15 days.

It is the first international cold-chain train for export in Fujian province.

The train is loaded with 906 tons of high-quality seafood, vegetables and fruit, such as Fujian-produced squid and okra, worth nearly 30 million yuan ($4.14 million)

With advanced refrigeration technology, the goods are able to be directly transported in a constant temperature from producers to buyers' warehouses, said an official with the Xiamen FTZ.

The launch of the cold-chain train offers a more efficient and convenient out-bound logistics channel for cold fresh products in Fujian and surrounding regions, which further highlights the China-Europe (Xiamen) freight trains' role in stabilizing the foreign trade supply chain and supporting local industrial chains.

At present, China-Europe (Xiamen) freight trains operate three international routes connecting the coastal city with more than 30 cities in 12 countries in Europe and Central Asia.

It has also realized sea-rail combined transportation from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam.

Notably, the Xiamen-Russia round-trip route has been planned based on commodity and transport resources in the Chinese and Russian markets, and offers trade and logistics services throughout the transportation process.

As of September, the Xiamen-Russia route had transported 31,070 standard containers, with a combined cargo value of nearly 7 billion yuan.