The cold chain train from Ho Chi Minh City to Huaihua (Photo: CCTV News)

Huaihua has become the first city in the central part of China to operate the international cold chain train after 230 tons of pitaya from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam arrived at the logistics park in Huaihua of Central China's Hunan Province on Thursday.

The operation of international cold chain trains means a quicker and more convenient channel for the import and export of fresh agricultural products between China and ASEAN member countries with rail transportation throughout the whole journey.

Some netizens worried that the trans-border cold chain freight trains may bring imported COVID-19 cases, urging relevant authorities to figure out ways to avoid possible flare-ups of the virus. Media reported that Huaihua's heath authorities will conduct nucleic acid testing and strict disinfection procedures on the products before distribution to other Chinese cities by lorries.