Containers of lysine salt are loaded in Changchun, Jilin province. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

A special Changchun-Moscow freight train departed Changchun city in Northeast China's Jilin province on Jan 8, bound for Moscow, capital of Russia, according to local media reports.

It marked the first China-Europe train launched by operator Jilin Jingyuan International Logistics Co in 2023.

The train was loaded with 110 TEUs – or twenty-foot equivalent units, the standard container size – of lysine salt. The consignment had a cargo weight of 1,430 metric tons and a cargo value of 10.2 million yuan ($1.51 million).

Under the coordination and promotion of the Jilin commerce department, the company signed a supply agreement with Jilin Meihua Amino Acid Co to export lysine to Russia. In doing so, it prioritized packing, inspections and customs clearances of the exported products.

For its part, Jilin is said to be the geographical center of Northeast Asia. The province, which has several border cities, is a window for China to the wider region.

Over the past two years, Jilin has focused on building a regional cooperation hub in Northeast Asia and has continued to deepen its trade with Russia – with investment cooperation, the development of commercial channels and exchanges in multiple fields.

From January to November 2022, the import and export volume of Jilin province's trade with Russia increased by 74 percent, hitting a record.

That's happened as Jilin has increased its freight trains bound for Russia, loaded with goods including auto parts and coal. During the period, the volume of cargo exceeded 3.2 million metric tons, a record increase of 18 percent.

Waiting for the green light: The Changchun-Moscow special freight train stands ready to depart. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]