China-Laos Railway. Photo: CCTV

China-Laos Railway has cumulatively transported 4.22 million tons of freight in 2023, an increase of 94.91 percent year-on-year, reflecting strong momentum since it entered commercial operation two years ago, Xinhua news agency reported, citing data from Kumming customs.

As a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China-Laos Railway has accelerated cooperation in trade, investment, services, finance and other aspects between China and the ASEAN countries. The routes formed a transport network that integrates with 31 Chinese provinces and cities in the Bohai Economic Rim, the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta Economic Zone, as well as reinforces collaborations among other 12 BRI partner countries including Laos and Vietnam.

The China-Laos Railway, a landmark project showcasing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, started commercial operations in December 2021. The 1,035-km cross-border railway connects Southwest China's Kunming city with the Lao capital of Vientiane.

The railway has worked as an efficient freight channel, meanwhile, a smart customs system developed by the Kunming Customs also played a positive role in promoting the high-quality development of cross-border freight between China and the neighboring countries along the routes. 

According to local media reports, the adoption of innovative technologies and data-driven solutions such as H986 railway large container inspection equipment, radar Induction control spray disinfection and radiation detection doors has significantly improved the supervision efficiency of the customs, and increased the speed of clearance.

The main products exported to China included fruit, iron ore and rubber, while the goods exported from China to Laos were mainly high-tech products such as mechanical and electronic equipment, as well as electric vehicles, lithium batteries and solar panels.

In addition, Kunming Customs approved over 6.4 million tons of international freight via the China-Laos railway as of the end of December 2023.

Global Times