The first direct China-Europe freight train departed the Tianjin Free Trade Zone enroute to Minsk, Belarus, on Nov 21. The train connects the zone with the Maritime Silk Road economic belt and better uses its geographic position to increase trade between China and Europe.

The departure ceremony of the Tianjin-Minsk China Europe train. [Photo/Xinhua]

The first Tianjin-Minsk train at the Haitie Central Station in the Tianjin pilot Free Trade Zone on Nov 21, ready to depart.[Photo/Xinhua]