China-Laos Railway: Cross-border link sees surges in cargo and passengers

China's rail system has ushered in the busiest time of the year with the annual Spring Festival travel rush season. It's the same with the China-Laos Railway. The cross-border line has seen a surge of both cargo and passengers since it was launched one and a half months ago. 

YANG JINGHAO Kunming, Yunnan Province "I'm here at a freight train hub in Kunming city. Most of the cargo both imported and exported via the China-Laos Railway is stored here. Since its opening on December 3rd of last year, the cross-border line has witnessed a surge in trade between China and Southeast Asian countries."

Railway operator data shows that in the first 40 days, about 120 freight trains have run between the two countries, with over 70-thousand tons of goods transported to more than 10 countries.

The Yuntianhua Group specializes in producing fertilizer, modern agricultural products and fine chemicals. The railroad facilitates its international trade.

CUI ZHOUQUAN General Manager, Yunnan Yuantianhua Company "The railway is a new 'golden transportation channel'. The very first freight train also carried many of our products. It just took some 60 hours to finally reach Thailand, a lot more efficient compared to the 480 hours before."

The company is also more easily importing goods like rubber and corns from Laos. And more possibilities are on the horizon.

CUI ZHOUQUAN General Manager, Yunnan Yuantianhua Company "We also plan to bring our agricultural technologies and services to neighboring countries through this channel to cultivate a mutually beneficial industrial chain."

On January 10, a special express line named "Lanmei" was launched. The 26-hour trip delivers fresh goods like flowers, vegetables and fruits.

Laotian officials say the railway is reshaping the country's economy.

MANILA SOMBANDITH Consul-General of Laos in Kunming "The opening of the railway will promote the sales of goods domestically and further open overseas markets, thus transforming the dominant family economy into a pattern with higher degree of commercialization. It will also boost the trade cooperation between Laos and China and help us fight poverty."

Experts say both countries should take the opportunity to nurture diverse industries along the way.

MA YONG Chief, Southeast Asia Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences "For example, the two countries can jointly build industrial parks and develop related industries like logistics, tourism, processing of agricultural products and hydroelectric development. Without industrial support, the railway will merely be a transport corridor."

Though the cross-border trips are still unavailable for passengers due to the pandemic, the railway has also served a number of passengers on both sides respectively. As China's traditional Spring Festival approaches, the Chinese leg is expected to greet larger crowds. YJH, CGTN, Yunnan Province.