The process of establishing a steady supply of containers from and to China has commenced.
A significant export of goods took place from the One Belt One Road container terminal, marking the departure of a train carrying 76 containers filled with products from the agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Tatarstan to China.
The terminal is part of the largest logistics complex in the country, developed by the Alabuga Special Economic Zone. It has the capacity to store 8,000 containers at a time, and the yard stretches for 1.05 kilometers.
The event brought together government officials, business leaders, professionals from the industrial sector, and logistics experts.
Timur Mingazov, the Deputy General Director for Resident Interaction, Engineering Development, and Operations at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, Alexey Kravchenko, the Commercial Director of the Far Eastern Shipping Company (FESCO), and Mars Khairullin, the Deputy Head of the Kuibyshev Railway for territorial management, participated in sending off the first train.
"Every company has a mission, and Alabuga is no different. As it puts it, 'We are developing industry for the well-being of people, creating the best infrastructure in the world.' So, I'd like to focus on infrastructure. What led us to start implementing this complex?" Mingazov asked the attendees. "Logistics has started to hold back industrial development in this region. Naturally, we couldn't just sit back and watch. Given the pressure from sanctions and the constantly changing environment, we recognize the need to establish a logistical buffer for industry. This way, we can be prepared for any challenges that may arise, even those we aren't aware of yet."
Mingazov expressed his heartfelt thanks to Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, for his belief in the project and for entrusting its execution. He also acknowledged the involvement of VTB Bank in the project, particularly highlighting the contributions of Andrey Kostin, the head of the bank's board.
The representative of the Far Eastern Shipping Company addressed the audience, congratulating the guests and wishing them success in their work.
Kravchenko stated, "We believe that launching this terminal will significantly boost the entire region's logistical connectivity. Our company has ambitious plans for this area, focusing on routes to the Far East and crossings with China, as well as connections to the Baltic and Black Seas."
The deputy head of the Kuibyshev Railway commented on the terminal's infrastructure and expressed a desire for a "green light" which in railway terminology means permission to begin shipping.
"Today, we can clearly see a modern container terminal with well-developed infrastructure and a professionally selected team. I understand how challenging it was to establish this terminal; we have been preparing for a long time. I believe this container terminal has a promising future. You have the green light!" Khairullin told the guests.
The deputy head of the KBSHZHD (Kuibyshev Railway) for territorial administration finally gave the long-awaited signal for the departure of the first train. Upon receiving the radio signal, two powerful reach stackers expertly loaded containers onto the train in perfect synchrony. Amid loud applause and a dazzling fireworks display, the train departed, marking the commencement of active operations at the new terminal and heralding new opportunities for foreign economic development in the region.Thanks to its strategic location, businesses of all sizes—small, medium, and large—will have access to the complex's facilities. The complex will facilitate the supply of petrochemical and agricultural products to China, while also enabling the return of components for industrial enterprises and e-commerce goods.
The container terminal will receive and send back at least one freight train to "Divine State" on a weekly basis. The implementation of the project will make it possible to loop container shipments with China.
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