Beijing, 4 December 2021 (TDI): Chinese President Xi Jinping and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith attended the opening ceremony of the China-Laos Railway. The two counterparts attended the opening ceremony virtually.
China-Laos Railway
China-Laos Railway was launched in 2015. China invested in this project under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The construction of the project started in December 2016. It took 5 years to complete. The railway track covers a total length of 1035 km which includes 167 tunnels and 307 bridges.
The railway track of China-Laos starts from the Chinese northern region of Kunming and ends in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. It will just take 10 hours to travel from Kunming to Vientiane, covering 1035 Kilometres.
The China-Laos Railway started its operation on Friday, 3 November 2021. On Friday afternoon, the trains from Kunming and Vientiane left the stations for their first journey respectively.
Trans-Asian Railway Network
It is also part of the Trans-Asian railway network which will help to connect China with the ASEAN countries such as Thailand and Malaysia. It will create connectivity in the whole region. However, it will help Laos the most as it is a landlocked country. Therefore, it can get huge benefits from this project.
The railway network has revolutionized the Laos transport system. The project has not only modernized the Laos railway but also created a lot of employment opportunities. Hence, it will stimulate the economic growth of Laos.
The China-Laos Railways have created connectivity between the two countries. It has helped to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between China and Laos. The Lao people can avail a modern railway facility, now.
China and Laos enjoy close relations. Projects like the China-Laos Railway can help the two countries to further strengthen their relations and cooperation. China-Laos Railway is part of the Chinese vision of creating a global community based on shared values with a shared future. It will help to create a shared community of China-Laos. The project will also help to increase coordination between the two states.