Transport network plays key role in keeping region connected

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."