A subsidiary of China's top train maker, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co. Ltd., signed a deal on Monday to supply three electric multiple units (EMUs) trains  to Czech rail operator Leo Express, the first of such deal with an EU member.

The deal, which costs more than 20 million euros ($21 million), could be expanded to up to 30 trains in three years, Liao Hongtao, vice general manager of the CRRC affiliate, said. It will cover spare parts, testing equipment, and training.

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According to China Daily, the trains can operate at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour and is compatible with the railways in Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. The first train is expected to be delivered in mid-2018.

Caixin reported that  the deal marks a milestone as China tries to export a technology in which it is rapidly becoming a world leader.

Europe has strict standards on the safety and reliability of trains, and the deal represents the international market recognition of Chinese manufacturers.

After years  of development, China has achieved a 20,000-km high-speed rail network built with 800 billion yuan ($115 billion) in annual spending over the past few years.

A year ago, a contract won by Chinese group marked the country's first step in the European bloc, wherein it will construct and revamp the 350-km rail link between Serbia and EU member Hungary.

Last year, China beat Japan in bidding to build a high-speed railway between the Indonesian capital of Jakarta and the country's third-largest city Bandung. Last month, CRRC also announced that it will take part in the largest railway project in Australian history. 

Tagschina, CCRC, Europe, Work Leader, Czech Republic