The annual number of transit freight trains passing through Mongolia has surpassed 1,000 for the first time.

As many as 1,450 China-Europe freight trains have crossed Mongolian territory since the beginning of this year, according to Ulaanbaatar Railway.

The figure is higher than expected.

A total of 556 China-Europe freight trains travelled through Mongolia in 2017 and the number reached 856 in 2018. Launched in 2011, the China-Europe freight rail service network is a crucial part of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.