Ratraco, a logistics subsidiary of Vietnam Railways, agreed with its Belarusian counterpart Belintertrans to join forces in launching new rail freight links from Vietnam to Europe and to Belarus particularly. The parties agreed to use the Kolyadichi intermodal terminal, located near Minsk, for handling containers in both eastern and western directions.

This is only the latest achievement of Vietnam in establishing its presence on the New Silk Road. Vietnam joined the New Silk Road in 2017. The first shipment was initially delivered to Chongqing in China by lorries and then by trains to Europe. Afterwards, the Asian country established several rail connections on the Eurasian corridor, following the example of other Asian countries. It uses the route to export its own cargo or import foreign products.

Links with Russia

Belarus is not the first country that aims to establish rail freight links with Vietnam via the New Silk Road. Russia has already achieved some results in this area. The first containers loaded with shampoos, soap, shower gels, various scrubs, creams and masks for face and hair departed from Russia to Vietnam in January 2018. This test shipping was organised by RZD Logistics, a subsidiary of Russian Railways and Ratraco.

In October 2018 the partners delivered Russian-made water filters to Vietnam. This year starts with the shipping of a new type of cargo. RZD Logistics and Ratraco arranged for the transport of cellular confinement systems for the local construction industry in Vietnam. All the trains run via China passing through the Zabaykalsk station on the Russian-Chinese border.