China Shipping Group has launched container shipping services in Moldova, becoming thus the second foreign companies to have the operation in the country's only port of Giurgiulesti.
The hub is vital for Moldova as its economy suffers as a result of the Russian embargo on Moldovan goods.
The decision of Chine Shipping Container Lines to expand its services to Moldova is part of the Chinese government’s initiative to revive the ancient Silk Road via its Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road projects.
"The event is of great significance," said Moldovan Deputy Foreign Minister Tudor Ulianovschi at the launching ceremony, stressing that the shipping routes that extend to Moldova will strengthen the country's trade and economic cooperation not only with China, but also with other countries of the world.
China’s investment will provide an export lifeline for Moldovan produce now the Russian market is closed.
"Moldova welcomes China and Chinese companies to strengthen trade and investment in Moldova," Ulianovschi concluded.
Tong Mingtao, Chinese Ambassador in Moldova, pointed out in his speech that the China-Moldova relationship has get an all-around development in recent year, acquired a great achievement in all areas.
The Moldovan wine, grain, fruit etc, have entered Chinese market, and its market share is continually expanding.
Liu Zhongping, President of China Shipping (Europe) Holding GmbH, told Xinhua that by extending China Shipping service to Giurgiulesti port, in cooperation with local company Danube Logistics, goods to and from Moldova will be directly connected to China Shipping's trunk routes and its global transport network.
China Shipping Container Lines is third international container shipping lines offering a direct service to Giurgiulesti International Free Port. In 2014 the transshipment of containers via Giurgiulesti International Free Port increased by 68% to more than 11,000 TEU.
Last year 57% of import containers originated from China and 76% of the export containers were shipped from Giurgiulesti International Free Port to Asian markets.