The first train carrying Russian wheat arrives in Manzhouli, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region on April 8. [Photo/Inner Mongolia Daily]

A cargo train loaded with nearly 500 tons of wheat imported from Russia arrived in Inner Mongolia’s Manzhouli at 10:35 am on April 8, marking China’s first breakthrough for importing Russian wheat.

It was the first batch of wheat to be traded after a signed agreement indicating explicit requirements for wheat import from Russia to China.

As an inland hub, Manzhouli has played a crucial role in implementing China’s Belt and Road Initiative, especially the construction of the China-Russia-Mongolia Economic Corridor.

The need for Russian grain, including buckwheat, oats, flaxseeds, and sunflower seeds, has hastened the emergence of local logistics and processing businesses in Manzhouli.