Two Chinese-built locomotives arrived in Argentina on Wednesday, as part of an ambitious plan to revive the South American country's aging cargo rail network and spur the country's economic development. The locomotives' 2,950 horsepower doubles the drive of the current antiquated engines serving the Belgrano Cargas rail line, and can reach a maximum speed of 80 km per hour.

"It has been 40 years since new locomotives were incorporated and these are the first two for the Belgrano line," Argentina's Transport Minister Guillermo Dietrich told reporters.

China has been a key partner in helping modernize Argentina's transportation infrastructure.