The first batch of 21 containers from the Central Asia freight trains is loaded for departure to Indonesia. [Photo/southcn.com]

The first batch of 21 containers from Central Asia freight trains was loaded for departure to Indonesia from the second phase of Nansha Port on Oct 6, marking the start of operations for the combined sea-rail transportation of Central Asia freight train cargo.

The trial model functions as a bridge between the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, offering more cross-border logistics choices for countries and regions along the Belt and Road.

The containers were filled with 1,113 metric tons of potash fertilizer from Uzbekistan worth around $128,000. 

Uzbekistan, located in the heartland of the ancient Silk Road, is able to offer more than 40,000 tons of potash fertilizer for manufacturers in Central Asia and purchasers from Southeast Asia.