The China-Laos Railway has handled 50,187 passenger trains and over 34.05 million passenger trips since its launch in December 2021, according to the railway operator.
The cross border passenger service was launched in April 2023, with the trains connecting Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with Lao capital Vientiane, to offer a convenient and efficient travel option for citizens of both countries.
Meanwhile, the China-Laos Railway's international service expanded in April this year, with a pair of trains connecting Xishuangbanna, a popular tourist destination in China, to Luang Prabang, another tourist hub in Laos.
The launch of cross-border passenger services further promotes cultural and people-to-people exchanges as well as economic cooperation between the two countries.
To ramp up transport capacity and offer a seamless travel experience, the railway department leverages real-time data. By analyzing ticket pre-sales and wait lists, they optimize train operation and ticket management, ensuring efficient service.
The China-Laos Railway is a landmark project of the Belt and Road Initiative. The 1,035-km railway started operation on Dec 3, 2021.
China-Laos Railway sees significant ridership, handling over 50,000 passenger trains since launch
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
