The Qilu China-Europe freight train service boosts foreign trade in Shandong. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Shandong province has been working to strengthen the construction of transportation hubs for China-Europe freight train services to boost trade and cooperation with countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

There are currently 53 Qilu China-Europe freight train routes that connect Shandong with 56 cities in 24 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

According to official data, over 7,000 trips involving the transport of goods worth more than 60 billion yuan ($8.49 billion) have been made on the route.

Since it was launched in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative, with the support and participation of 150 countries (more than 40 from Africa) and 32 international organizations, has grown into a multifaceted global initiative and is increasingly recognized as a massive development initiative never attempted by any other world power.

Shandong will further strengthen friendly cooperation and exchanges with BRI countries, as well as enhance coordination and collaboration on international and regional affairs to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, said local officials.