STORY: China-Laos Railway spurs regional economic growth
SHOOTING TIME: Earlier footage
DATELINE: Dec. 3, 2024
LENGTH: 0:01:24
LOCATION: KUNMING, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the China-Laos Railway
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LIM YEW KWEE, Malaysian passenger
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): BOUNMEE, Lao passenger
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): MENG TAO, Staff of the Mohan border checkpoint
5. various of the China-Laos Railway

STORYLINE:

The China-Laos Railway has emerged as a catalyst for regional economic growth three years after its launch.

The 1,035-km railway, a flagship project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, connects China's southwestern city of Kunming with the Laotian capital of Vientiane.

It has significantly enhanced travel by making it faster, more affordable, and more efficient.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LIM YEW KWEE, Malaysian passenger
"I'm really excited to be here (in China). I can save a lot of money and time by taking the China-Laos Railway to Xishuangbanna in China. It was super convenient. The train ride was really comfortable too."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): BOUNMEE, Lao passenger
"Traveling by train and enjoying the beautiful scenery were so pleasant. It's my first time riding a train. There's coffee, water, barbecue, and instant noodles on board, making the trip even easier. Now with the railway, traveling back to Laos is more convenient."

Over the past three years, authorities have continuously worked to enhance travel experience along the route.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): MENG TAO, Staff of the Mohan border checkpoint
"The border inspection authorities have greatly strengthened port infrastructure construction, actively promoted the development of smart ports, and continuously innovated measures to benefit the public, effectively ensuring fast customs clearance and the smooth operation of the China-Laos Railway."

In addition to boosting tourism, the railway has unlocked opportunities for trade by lowering transportation costs and enhancing connectivity.

The railway had handled over 43 million passenger trips and transported 48.3 million tonnes of cargo as of Monday, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kunming, China.
(XHTV)