Transport network plays key role in keeping region connected

Tourists line up at the Vientiane Station on April 8. (Photo provided to CHINA DAILY)

The Kunming Dry Port train, part of the China-Laos-Thailand Railway, has begun operations from Anning, Yunnan province, passing through Vientiane and eventually reaching the coastal city of Ranong in Thailand in November. This marks the successful connection of Kunming and Vientiane, two inland cities, to Ranong, on the Indian Ocean.

Anouphab Tounalom, party secretary of Vientiane and president of the Vientiane People's Council, said the collaboration between Kunming and Vientiane has been significantly upgraded as part of the Lao national strategy to transform Laos from a landlocked country to a land-linked one and as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

"The railway has brought many benefits. Economic ties between Laos and China, particularly between Vientiane and Kunming, have been significantly strengthened, promoting passenger transport and goods logistics, as well as collaboration in areas such as economics, culture, tourism and education."

The railway has provided Laos with an opportunity to play a key role in better connecting China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, he said.

"Such close collaboration extends beyond our two cities and is gradually expanding across Southeast Asia, promoting broader collaboration and development to create a better future."

Bounyavath Niraxay, director general of Vientiane's Department of Public Works and Transport, said: "Vientiane is at the center of regional land transportation, and the China-Laos Railway is a crucial link connecting Laos, China and ASEAN countries.

"We are exploring ways to connect with the China-Europe Railway Express, extending to Russia, and truly transforming Laos from a landlocked country into an interconnected country."