Volvo Cars has become the first car maker in the world to export China-made cars to Europe by train via China’s new ‘One Belt, One Road’ trade initiative.

Belt & Road World Union, 30 may 2017

First China-built Volvo S90 saloons arrive in Europe via ground-breaking rail link

Volvo Cars has become the first car maker in the world to export China-made cars to Europe by train via China’s new ‘One Belt, One Road’ trade initiative.

The first S90 premium saloons, built at its Daqing plant in China, will arrive at a distribution centre in Zeebrugge, Belgium this week.

The cars have been transported to Belgium via the recently opened China-Europe railway link. The connection brings down the time it takes to transport vehicles to Europe by two thirds compared with the naval route, meaning customers receive their car faster after ordering.

The train route ties Volvo’s global manufacturing and logistics strategy to the multi-billion euro trade flows between China and Europe and the so-called One Belt, One Road initiative that seeks to resurrect the age-old Silk Road trade route for a new era of global trade.

The railway link also illustrates how China is turning into a global manufacturing and export hub for high-end consumer products.

Volvo was the first Western car maker to export a premium China-made car to the US in 2015 with the S60 Inscription. In November of last year, Volvo started building high-end versions of its S90 premium saloon in Daqing for global exports, and will soon be building all S90 vehicles in the factory for global export.

Beyond shorter waiting times for customers, rail is also a smarter choice in terms of the environmental impact of logistics operations. Given the same distance, the CO2 emissions per tonne/km are reduced by a third by choosing rail over sea transport. In this case, the savings will be even higher based on the shorter distance.

Each of the Volvo-dedicated trains travelling between Daqing and Zeebrugge carry around 120 Volvo cars, which are transported in specially designed containers. One container holds three cars at different angles in order to maximise the use of space available inside. Special fixtures ensure that the cars are fastened during transport and do not move.

Initially, trains will depart from Daqing once a week. The plan is to increase this frequency in line with growing volumes.

The first S90 saloons will arrive in Zeebrugge on May 31, the same week as China’s Prime Minister, Li Keqiang, visits Belgium. In connection with his visit in the country, Li Keqiang is also scheduled to meet with Volvo Cars’ chairman Li Shufu and CEO Håkan Samuelsson

Mr Peter Egardt, the former governor of Uppsala County.

Belt & Road World Union, 22 may 2017

Meeting with the former Governor
of Uppsala County

Mr James Shi, Secretary General, Mr Sten Yondt and Mr Johnny Gentzel, council members had a meeting with Mr Peter Egardt, the former governor of Uppsala County.

The meeting was informal but pleasant. The council members informed Mr Egardt about the mission and vision of BARWU and the plans for the near future.

During the meeting, Mr James Shi pointed out that Sweden should be smart enough and quick enough in taking the chance of leading the Belt and Road Initiative at least in the Nordic Region if not in whole Europe, since Sweden has a great deal of contributions to make for this historical happening, especially in the areas such as innovation and sustainable development. And he put forward for the first time the concept of "Belt and Road - the Nordic Way".

Mr Peter Egardt was the governor of Uppsala County under 2010-2016 and enjoys a great reputation both in the government and the business world.

Mr. Carlos Manby, Mr. James Shi and Mr. Fredrik Brundin, CEO CFB Industries.

Belt & Road World Union, 15 may 2017

Visiting – CFB Industries

Mr. James Shi, General Secretary, Mr. Johnny Gentzel and Mr. Carlos Manby, council members paid today a visit to CFB Industries Holding AB based in Helsingborg, South Sweden. Mr. Fredrik Brundin, CEO of the company, received the delegation at the headquarter. The delegation informed about the Belt & Road Initiative, the organization and the mission of BARWU, and both sides expressed their interest and willingness to cooperate within the platform of BARWU.

CFB has created the world‘s most comprehensive panel construction concept which is sustainable, cost effective, efficient and eco-friendly. The whole concept has a potential of revolutionizing the construction and housing industry in the world.

The cooperation between CFB and BARWU could turn out to be an outstanding example for Belt & Road Initiative, i.e. a win-win solution for all involved: with Chinese investors investing in the company for projects in Sweden – a joint-venture operation in the Chinese market – joint-ventures in the 64 Belt and Road countries. As a result of the meeting, both sides decided to pay a visit to China, where meetings with potential partners and investors will be arranged by BARWU.

Mr James Shi, Mr. Kjell Brunberg and Mr. Sten Yondt.

Belt & Road World Union, 11 may 2017

Visiting – Upwis and Swecin

Mr. James Shi, General Secretary and Mr. Johnny Gentzel, council member have paid a visit to two Swedish high-tech companies based in Uppsala. Mr. Kjell Brunberg, CEO of UPWIS AB, and Mr. Sten Yondt, representative of SWECIN AB, received the delegation at their offices. The delegation informed about the Belt and Road Initiative, the organization and the mission of BARWU, and both companies expressed their interest and willingness to cooperate with BARWU.

UPWIS AB is an outstanding high-tech company that is engaged in the development, marketing and sales of IOT products and systems within Smart Cities, Smart Buildings, Smart Grid/Energy Systems, Medical/fitness, Industrial Automation, Infrastructure.

SWECIN AB is a pioneer in storm water cleaning which is engaged in the development, marketing and sales of systems for monitoring of pollutants in water over wide areas and filters for deployment in storm water drains.(pictures)

Mr James Shi and Professor Ilia Katardjie at Ångströms Laboratory of Uppsala University

2017-05-11

Visiting – Uppsala University

Mr. James Shi, General Secretary and Mr. Johnny Gentzel, council member have paid a visit to Ångströms Laboratory of Uppsala University. Mr. Ilia Katardjiev, professor of Department of Engineering Sciences, received the delegation. The delegation informed about the Belt and Road Initiative, the organization and the mission of BARWU, and both sides expressed their interest and willingness to further discuss about the possible cooperation with each other in different high-tech areas.