Since its launch in December 2021, the China-Laos Railway has quickly become a vital transportation link connecting the two countries and the broader Southeast Asian region. Renowned for its efficiency, convenience and comfort, the railway has provided a significant boost to trade and economic development in the Greater Mekong sub-region.
The railway has witnessed robust growth in passenger and cargo transportation this year. From January 1 to October 31, more than 16 million passengers and 16 million tons of cargo were transported, with more than 4 million tons of goods crossing borders. Since its inauguration, the China-Laos Railway has operated more than 60,000 passenger trains, carrying 41.7 million passengers. In terms of freight, the railway has transported 46.7 million tons of goods, including 10.7 million tons of cross-border cargo. These figures underscore the railway’s pivotal role in enhancing regional connectivity and fostering cultural exchanges.
The China-Laos Railway has invigorated tourism along its route. In addition to convenient train services, other travel options such as charter flights and self-drive tours have surged in popularity, offering travelers diverse experiences. More than 100 travel agencies now offer Laos-themed packages, and hotel bookings in Vientiane are booming, with reservations extending into March next year. This highlights the railway’s significant impact on the tourism sector.
On October 14, the railway launched the “Beijing-Yunnan Lancang-Mekong Line” international freight service. The inaugural train transported 390 tons of Laotian bananas to Beijing, saving four days compared to traditional land routes and reducing transportation costs by 6 percent. Additional international freight routes such as the “Shanghai-Yunnan Lancang-Mekong Line”, the “Guangdong-Yunnan Lancang-Mekong Line” and the “Hunan-Yunnan Lancang-Mekong Line” now link Yunnan with major areas like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong and Hunan, bolstering regional trade.
As of the end of October, the railway had transported 150,000 tons of imported tropical fruits such as durians and mangosteens, and 80,000 tons of exported produce including grapes and vegetables. The total fruit and vegetable trade volume accounts for 6 percent of the railway’s total imports and exports, marking a year-on-year increase of 140,000 tons — a 173 percent rise. Key imports include cassava flour and tropical fruits, while major exports comprise fertilizers, steel, mixed cargo and fresh produce.
The China-Laos Railway remains a vital role in driving economic growth, trade, and tourism across the region, further solidifying its position as a cornerstone of regional development and connectivity.
(Executive editor: Zhu Zeya)
