Japan, Russia Join for Trans-Siberian Rail Transportation

Japan and Russia plan to officially develop a freight transport route between the two countries via the Trans-Siberian Railway, the Yomiuri newspaper reported.

The report said that the two governments aim to foster mutual economic cooperation by energizing the “third distribution channel,” after sea and air routes.

Now cargo between Japan and Russia are delivered mainly either by air or by sea. According to the Japanese Ministry of transport, terms of delivery of goods by sea ranged from 53 to 62 days. Delivery of the aircraft occurs much faster but is costly.

A test to verify distribution using the Trans-Siberian Railway will start around Sept. 11-13, when the Eastern Economic Forum takes place in the Russian city of Vladivostok, said sources.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will attend the forum and is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines.

In May, Tokyo hosted fourth business forum on the development of the Trans-Siberian Railway. The event gathered officials from relevant governmental agencies and heads of major trade, logistics and rail companies from Russia, Japan, China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

According to experts, delivery of goods on the Transsiberian railway will allow to reduce the costs of companies up to 40% and delivery time will be about 20-27 days.