Beijing launched its first freight train service to Central Asia on Wednesday, marking a significant step in the capital's integration into the Belt and Road Initiative's high-quality, coordinated development.

The inaugural train, bound for Tashkent, Uzbekistan, departed at 10:30 a.m. from the Beijing Railway Logistics Center's Liulihe Business Outlet special line.

Loaded with 90 standard containers of auto parts, medicines and other goods from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the train will exit China through Horgos Port in Xinjiang before reaching the Uzbek capital in about 14 days, according to China Railway Beijing Group Co., Ltd.

A Fengtai Customs official described the new freight train as a convenient and efficient international transport artery for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region's foreign trade. The official noted that this service provides new opportunities for enterprises in areas like Fangshan district to expand into international markets while supporting Beijing's involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The train service is organized and operated by Beijing New Land Port Group. Wang Chuanmeng, chairman of the group, said the launch of this service will give Beijing a new international logistics channel to further explore markets in Asia and Europe.