Editor's Note: On December 3, 2024, marking the third anniversary of the opening of the China-Laos Railway, this steel dragon serves as a vital link connecting the deep friendship and vibrant development between China and Laos. Over the past three years, countless touching stories and  inspiring dreams have intertwined along this railway. At this important moment, Kunming Information Hub has conducted in-depth interviews with individuals from various circles in both countries, showcasing the profound transformations and wide-ranging impacts brought by the China-Laos Railway through their perspectives. The series "the Train to Prosperity - Third Anniversary of China-Laos Railway" will take you through the corridor connecting the two countries, listen to the voices of Chinese and Lao people, and deeply experience the strong momentum of cooperation and immense potential for sustainable development.

Since its opening, the China-Laos Railway has not only become a major project aligning China's "Belt and Road" initiative with Laos' strategy to transform from a "land-locked" country to a "land-linked" one, promoting connectivity along the "Belt and Road", but also a symbol of cooperation between China and Laos.

Kerdkhuanjai Malyzhansy, Deputy Director of the Laotian Pathet Lao Newspaper's editorial department, feels proud to have witnessed this historic breakthrough. The China-Laos Railway is not just a great engineering project, but the fruit of joint efforts by the people of both countries, bringing tangible benefits to the Lao people.

Kerdkhuanjai Malyzhansy took his first ride on the China-Laos Railway passenger train. Photo provided.

First Ride on China-Laos Railway Witnesses a New Era of Transportation in Laos

Kerdkhuanjai Malyzhansy vividly recalled his first experience of the China-Laos Railway trial run. On July 21, 2021, he departed from Vientiane Station and arrived at Phonhong Station in Vientiane Province in just 25 minutes by high-speed train. "I never imagined that one day I would personally experience the convenience of a high-speed railway in my own country. The opening of this railway has led Laos from traditional transportation methods to a modern railway network, greatly promoting in-depth cooperation between the two countries in economic and cultural fields."

The opening of the China-Laos Railway marks a new stage in Laos' infrastructure development, achieving a major breakthrough in transportation. For Laos, a "land-locked" country, the railway is of extraordinary significance. It not only breaks through the long-standing transportation bottlenecks but also opens up more convenient channels for economic cooperation between Laos, China, and other Southeast Asian countries. Kerdkhuanjai Malyzhansy stated: "The opening of the railway brings more opportunities to Laos, enhances our competitiveness on the international stage, and makes Laos an important hub in regional cooperation."

Railway Creates Employment and Development Opportunities for Lao People

The China-Laos Railway has also played a crucial role in promoting cooperation between the two countries and improving people's well-being. Kerdkhuanjai Malyzhansy said: "The railway's opening not only significantly improves goods transportation efficiency but also provides rich employment opportunities for Lao people. Since the project's construction began, over 5,000 local workers have been involved in railway construction, creating more than 110,000 job opportunities, with profound significance for improving local residents' living conditions. After the railway's opening, young Laotians have more opportunities to study and work abroad, with many choosing to study in China to improve their skills and knowledge." He added: "This is not just a transformation of transportation, but a comprehensive improvement in education and technology levels."

The China-Laos Railway has also actively promoted exchange and friendship between peoples of the two countries. Kerdkhuanjai Malyzhansy mentioned: "The opening of the China-Laos Railway has deepened understanding and interaction between Lao and Chinese people, serving as a bridge of friendship." He also noted that the railway provides more platforms for cultural exchange between the two countries, increasing interaction between citizens and allowing people to share cooperation achievements in economics, education, and technology.

Kerdkhuanjai Malyzhansy posing with the "Lancang" train of the China-Laos Railway. Photo provided.

As an important media outlet in Laos, the Pathet Lao Newspaper has continuously followed and reported on significant news and events of the China-Laos Railway over the past three years. Kerdkhuanjai Malyzhansy shared: "We have witnessed the entire process from the railway's construction to its opening, and seen the tremendous changes it has brought to the Lao people. This railway is not only a source of pride for Laos but also an important milestone in China-Laos cooperation."

Kerdkhuanjai Malyzhansy, Deputy Director of the Laotian Pathet Lao Newspaper editorial department. Photo provided.

On the third anniversary of the China-Laos Railway, we have not only witnessed the depth and breadth of cooperation between China and Laos but also showcased the beautiful blueprint of joint development under the framework of "Belt and Road" Initiative. Kerdkhuanjai Malyzhansy highlighted: "As a media professional, I will continue to follow and report on the development of the China-Laos Railway, contributing to the construction of the China-Laos community of shared destiny." The China-Laos Railway is not just a bond connecting the peoples of both countries, but an important engine driving Laos' economic development and cultural exchange, continuing to write a new chapter in China-Laos friendship. (Kunming Information Hub, Reporters Hong Junjie and Zhang Yu)

Click here to view the Chinese report

(Editors: Jennifer, Rachel)