A Qilu Europe-Asia freight train departs from Jinan, Shandong to Venlo, Netherlands. [Photo/chinanews.com]

A train carrying clothing, luggage and other goods departed from Jinan South Station on Nov 12 to Venlo, the Netherlands.

It is the first Qilu Europe-Asia freight train to go to the Netherlands.

The train, operated by Shandong Hi-speed Group, will pass through Erenhot, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region and is expected to arrive in Venlo in 18 days.

The Netherlands is located at the sea-land intersection of the Belt and the Road and is Shandong's second largest trading partner in the European Union. The two sides are continuing to expand their trade relationship.

The Jinan-Venlo line opens up a new avenue for economic and trade exchanges between Shandong and Netherlands and is 30 days quicker than the previous line.

Qilu Europe-Asia freight trains have been making significant contributions to Jinan’s foreign trade in recent years.

In 2019, the trains made 1,054 trips, a year-on-year increase of 185 percent and double the annual target set by the Shandong provincial government.

Qilu Europe-Asia freights currently run 38 different routes to 44 cities in 16 countries.