Russia plans to send first high-speed container train from Moscow Region to Xi'an, China - authorities

KRASNOGORSK. Feb 20 (Interfax) - A pilot project to send an express container train to Xi'an, China is being implemented in the Moscow Region, the press service of the Investment, Industry and Science Ministry of the Moscow Region said on Wednesday.

"The Moscow Region Foreign Economic Activity Support Fund (Foreign Economic Activity (FEA) Support Fund MO) has announced the launch of a pilot project to send an express container train to China. The first shipment is planned for March," the press service said.

The timeframe to deliver the cargo along the Selyatino-Xi'an route should be up to ten days.

The ministry said that the FEA Support Fund MO would provide assistance to Moscow Region entrepreneurs for sending cargo.

"Support includes assistance in transporting products, as well as related services like loading and unloading, warehousing, labeling, and others. Support envisages co-financing at up to 80% of expenses for SMEs, and up to 50% for large businesses. The maximum amount of support does not exceed 20% of the cost of the exported products under the program," the press service quoted Deputy Chairperson of the Moscow Region Government Yekaterina Zinovyeva as saying.