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China-Laos-Thai rail connectivity propels regional growth

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      China

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      China-Laos-Thai rail connectivity propels regional growth

      2024-10-23 22:55 Last Updated At:23:27

      Transportation connectivity between China, Thailand, and Laos is boosting regional development and tourism among the three countries.

      The China-Laos Railway opened in December 2021, with its international passenger service beginning in April 2023, while the cross-border railway between Thailand and Laos opened for traffic this year, and the China-Thailand railway project is being constructed at high speed.

      In July 2024, the Thailand-Laos cross-border passenger train service commenced trial operations, connecting Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station in Bangkok with Khamsavath Railway Station in Vientiane, Laos.

      This route enhances rail connectivity between Thailand and Laos while linking with the China-Laos Railway, connecting Kunming City in southwest China's Yunnan Province to Vientiane.

      As the China-Thailand railway construction progresses, tourism among China, Laos and Thailand is expected to flourish.

      Meanwhile, the 1,035-km China-Laos Railway is fostering closer ties between the two countries, enhancing personnel exchanges and cultural interactions, while significantly boosting bilateral trade.

      Since its opening in December 2021, the railway has handled over 10 million tons of imported and exported goods valued at about 5.7 billion U.S. dollars in total, with varieties of goods expanding from the initial 500 to more than 3,000. The railway has also transported over 40 million cross-border passengers, providing affordable, convenient and comfortable experiences to travelers.

      "The China-Laos Railway is a platform for youth to find jobs and provides employment opportunities for locals along the route. I hope more young Laotian people can join the development of the China-Laos Railway and be part of this big family," said a Laotian train driver on the railway.

      Not only are people from China and Laos benefiting, but more travelers from around the world are also choosing this train for leisure trips, as the railway passes various tourist attractions.

      "The greatest change is the convenience of transportation. From Luang Namtha, a province in northern Laos, it used to take me two days to get there. Now, it only takes three to four hours by train," said the head of a train crew.

      "In China, people often say, 'To get rich, build roads.' We sometimes say, 'To get super rich, construct railways.' A high-standard transportation network greatly advances inland countries like ours. Convenient transportation facilitates other forms of transport, reducing costs for investment, trade, and tourism," said Saysana Sitthiphone, director-general of the Laos-China Cooperation Commission.

      China-Laos-Thai rail connectivity propels regional growth

      China-Laos-Thai rail connectivity propels regional growth

      A representative of Chinese solar photovoltaic enterprises at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) foresaw an exponential growth in clean energy and recognized China's significant role in driving the global green transformation.

      One of the key themes at the WEF in Davos is Safeguarding the Planet. Among the influential voices in clean energy was Zhong Baoshen, Chairman of China's LONGi Green Energy, a world's major manufacturer of solar module. He highlighted the rapid advancements in solar photovoltaic (PV) energy worldwide.

      "As of today, solar photovoltaic energy has exceeded 2 terawatts globally. But it's important to note that reaching the first terawatt took 68 years—from 1954 to 2022. However, we achieved the second terawatt in just 3 years, showing how fast the growth is. According to the International Energy Agency, global solar capacity will reach 4 terawatts by 2030, which is just 6 years away. Personally, I believe it will exceed 5 terawatts," said Zhong.

      Development of other clean energy sources is also on a fast track. LONGi Green Energy is investing in hydrogen energy and green methanol, essential technologies for the global decarbonization endeavor.

       "We are also focusing on hydrogen energy and green methanol. We believe that to fully decarbonize the world, we'll need more than just electricity; we'll also need liquid and gaseous fuels for industries like shipping. The key to decarbonizing these liquid and gaseous fuels is hydrogen. By developing hydrogen energy, we can create green methanol, which will help support a comprehensive global effort to reduce carbon emissions," he added.

      Speaking of international interactions, Zhong noted that trade barriers still exist amid the global expansion of green energy companies. However, he affirmed China's instrumental role in accelerating the global green energy transformation. 

      "I think that most countries are open to using clean energy as green energy companies expand internationally. However, some countries want to have local solar manufacturing, which can create trade barriers. Right now, China is a major player in both solar and wind energy worldwide. Whether it's in technology or production capacity, China has made the biggest contribution to the global green energy transition," said Zhong.

      Solar power to see exponential growth, China leading global green transformation: LONGi Chairman

      Solar power to see exponential growth, China leading global green transformation: LONGi Chairman

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