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 launch, the China-Laos Railway has become a vital link between China and Laos. Over the past three years, the railway has operated safely and efficiently, transporting tens of millions of passengers and goods while significantly boosting the economic development of regions along its route. It has become a key driver of regional economic cooperation. Thanks to the railway, cities along the route, such as Kunming and Vientiane, as well as the important Mohan Port, have embraced unprecedented development opportunities.

Souksavanh Phady, Reporter for Laotian Pasaxon Newspaper

Souksavanh Phady, a reporter for Laotian Pasaxon newspaper, summarized his impressions of the China-Laos Railway's development over the past three years with three words: "miracle, opportunity, and future". As a seasoned journalist who has long focused on China-Laos cooperation and friendship, he has witnessed firsthand how this railway transformed from a blueprint into reality and how it has driven deep economic and cultural integration between the two countries over the past three years. He is particularly moved by the changes in Mohan: "The China-Laos Railway is a bridge, and Mohan is the hub on this bridge. Together, they have created a cross-border development miracle."

Souksavanh Phady believes that the opening of the China-Laos Railway is not just about connecting transportation routes but also symbolizes the realization of connectivity and deep cooperation between China and Laos. Over the past three years, the railway has demonstrated strong economic and social driving forces, with its impact on Mohan being the most remarkable. "Mohan has transformed from an ordinary border town into an international logistics hub. This is the greatest gift brought by the China-Laos Railway. It has made trade between the two countries more efficient and unleashed the economic vitality of border areas."

Newly Constructed Buildings in the Mohan-Boten Economic Cooperation Zone

Souksavanh Phady sees the development of the China-Laos Railway and Mohan as complementary. The railway has not only shortened the spatial distance between the two countries but also facilitated the flow of people and cultural exchanges, becoming an important bridge for bilateral cooperation. He said, "The China-Laos Railway and Mohan are like the two wings of China-Laos friendship. The railway has paved the road for cooperation, while Mohan showcases the fruits of that cooperation." This perspective runs through his observations and reporting on the development of the China-Laos Railway and Mohan, filling him with great expectations for the future. 

Click here to view the Chinese report

(Editors: Jennifer, Amy)