VIENTIANE, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The China-Laos Railway stands as a testament to Laos' ambitions to enhance its infrastructure and engage with regional economies. This pivotal development holds the promise of elevating socio-economic conditions and catalyzing growth throughout the nation, providing benefits across all societal strata.

Since the initiation of the China-Laos Railway project, the country has been undergoing significant development, with advancements in travel, infrastructural improvements, and new job opportunities for the youth. Khampakaiy, an office worker who often travels for business, expressed in an interview with Xinhua that the railway not only simplifies travel but also acts as a crucial engine for economic progress, trade, and skill acquisition in various sectors.

On June 13, the arrival of the fifth Lane Xang EMU train for the China-Laos Railway marked a notable achievement in enhancing the railway's transportation capacity. Lao Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ngampasong Muongmany, emphasized in his speech that this new addition will increase the efficiency of the railway system in Laos, making local travel more accessible and bolstering the modernization of transport. Furthermore, it aims to reinforce Laos' position in regional connectivity and cross-border transport networks.

Chanhthip, a resident of Savannakhet province in southern Laos, remarked that the railway enhances the country's regional connectivity, enabling faster and more effective export processes. She noted, with Laos' wealth of natural resources, there is a significant opportunity to promote agricultural products. By maximizing the advantages presented by the railway, the potential to elevate exports can benefit both the country and its farmers.

Lao Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Linkham Douangsavanh, highlighted at the ninth ordinary session of the Lao National Assembly that agricultural production and cross-border trade have seen considerable improvement since the opening of the China-Laos Railway in 2021. The railway's capacity to provide low transportation costs and efficient connectivity has attracted both domestic and foreign investments in sectors such as durian, coffee, mangoes, and livestock.

Singnalinh, a 29-year-old resident of Vientiane, shared her belief that the popularity of the railway will draw many young Lao individuals to pursue careers in the transportation sector. With increasing enrollment at the Lao Railway Vocational Technical College, students are expected to acquire essential skills that will significantly contribute to Laos' ongoing development.

During a visit to the China-Laos Railway in late May, Bakhodir Burkhanov, the United Nations resident coordinator in Laos, commended the railway for its role in improving infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and facilitating travel for both residents and visitors. He remarked that the railway addition is highly beneficial for the economy, the people, and overall convenience.

Burkhanov was particularly impressed with the railway's punctuality, orderliness, and focus on safety, highlighting how smoothly operations run and acknowledging the numerous individuals working behind the scenes to guarantee a secure and pleasant travel experience.

Since its inauguration on December 3, 2021, the China-Laos Railway has emerged as a crucial transportation link, fostering people-to-people exchanges and invigorating regional economic and trade activities.