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.

Across the vast land of Laos, the China-Laos Railway winds like a colossal "steel dragon", not only linking China and Laos but also building a bridge of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples. On the third anniversary of the railway’s opening, Chanhmny Chanhda, Deputy Director of the Laos-China Cooperation Committee Office under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, remarked with deep emotion, "The opening of the China-Laos Railway represents a historic leap forward for the Lao people. It has not only significantly shortened the distance between Laos and China but also brought us unprecedented travel convenience."

Chanhmny Chanhda traveled in China. Photo provided

From "Slow Living" to "Fast Lane": the China-Laos Railway Leads Laos into a New Era

Recalling his first journey on the China-Laos Railway, Chanhmny Chanhda couldn't hide his excitement: "It was an unprecedented feeling of exhilaration. The railway not only greatly shortened travel time, but also allowed me to enjoy Laos' natural scenery during the trip. The combination of beautiful landscapes and speed made me deeply appreciate the changes of the times."

Three years after the operation of the China-Laos Railway, Chanhmny Chanhda shared his profound reflections: "For Laos, the China-Laos Railway is a landmark project of the Belt and Road Initiative. Its successful launch and operation have linked Laos not only to China and ASEAN countries but also to major international transport routes. This has not only provided crucial support for passenger and freight services, but has also become a source of pride for the people of Laos."

The opening of the China-Laos Railway has taken the people of Laos from a "slow life" to the "fast lane". It has not only shortened the distance between Laos and China but also provided the people of Laos with convenient and efficient transportation services. Now, the people of Laos can travel faster and transport goods more easily, leading to significant improvements in both their quality of life and economic conditions.

The "New Engine" of Laos' Economy and the "Accelerator" of People's Well-being

The China-Laos Railway is not only a transportation line, but also a key driver of Laos' accelerated economic development and improved people's well-being. Chanhmny Chanhda remarked, "The opening of the China-Laos Railway has further strengthened the close relationship between China and Laos in terms of politics, mutual trust, and high-level cooperation, fostering new achievements in economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries."

The China-Laos Railway has attracted significant investment to Laos and promoted the growth of the tourism industry. At the same time, it has created more employment opportunities, improved education levels, and significantly enhanced the quality of life for the Lao people. Many Lao students who previously studied in China have also found job opportunities with the China-Laos Railway company, turning their professional dreams into reality.

Chanhmny Chanhda attended the 10th meeting of the Yunnan-Northern Laos Cooperation Working Group in 2019. Photo provided

On the third anniversary of the China-Laos Railway's operation, Chanhmny Chanhda stated, "The China-Laos Railway is a flagship project of high-quality joint construction under the Belt and Road Initiative, carrying the 'railway dream' of the Lao people. It has helped Laos secure funding, attract investment, and boost the tourism industry. Moreover, it has facilitated deeper cooperation in infrastructure construction, production, energy, and other sectors, injecting new vitality into Laos' economic and social development."

Chanhmny Chanhda participated in the mini marathon to celebrate the third anniversary of the opening of the China-Laos Railway. Photo provided

Looking ahead, Chanhmny Chanhda expressed high hopes for the future of the China-Laos Railway: "Although Laos is landlocked, this railway will provide the country with a transportation network that connects to the sea. It will enhance transportation convenience in Laos, creating new opportunities for both passenger and freight services. At the same time, the railway will boost investment and tourism, attracting more visitors to Laos to experience the unique charm of the country."

The opening of the China-Laos Railway has not only provided the people of Laos with convenient and efficient transportation services but also accelerated the country's economic development. In the future, as China and Laos deepen cooperation in cross-border transportation and regional collaboration, the railway will become a vital link between Laos and other regions of the world, making a greater contribution to Laos' economic growth and enhancing the well-being of its people. (Kunming Information Hub, Reporter Hong Junjie)

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(Editors: Amy, Jennifer)