KUNMING, June 26 (Xinhua) -- The China-Laos Railway has reported handling more than 2.48 million tonnes of import and export cargo valued at over 10 billion yuan, or approximately 1.4 billion U.S. dollars, during the first five months of this year, according to customs data released on Thursday.

This period showed remarkable growth in both freight volume and value, with a 7.9 percent year-on-year increase in volume and a significant 33.2 percent rise in value. Notably, May alone saw the railway transport 512,000 tonnes of goods worth 3.76 billion yuan, marking the highest monthly record since the railway's inauguration in December 2021.

Since its opening, the China-Laos Railway has witnessed steady growth in cargo transport. By May 22 this year, the total freight volume had surpassed 60 million tonnes, with cross-border shipments accounting for over 13.9 million tonnes.

The variety of goods transported via the railway has seen substantial expansion, growing from just over 10 types at the outset to more than 3,000. The cargo mix now includes electronics, photovoltaic products, communication equipment, automobiles, agricultural products, industrial goods, and daily necessities.

The surge in trade facilitated by the railway highlights its critical role in enhancing infrastructure and strengthening international trade links between China and Laos. This strategic connection is anticipated to foster further economic growth and improve the supply chain efficiency across the region.