BEIJING — The China-Europe freight rail service network has been running smoothly, with a total of 1,132 trips being made in the first two months, the top economic planner said on March 10.

The figure was 6 percent higher than in the same period of last year, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

Operation of the trains played an important role in preventing the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, stabilizing foreign trade and facilitating work resumption, it said.

Relevant authorities have taken multiple measures including enhancing transport capacity and fast-tracking customs clearance to ensure the normal operation of the trains, said an official with the commission.

China has adopted strict disinfection measures to stem the spread of the outbreak and rolled out emergency response plans to ensure the safety of the rail network, he said.

Initiated in 2011, the China-Europe rail service is considered a significant part of the Belt and Road Initiative to boost trade between China and Europe.