Cross-border rail rallies regional connectivity
Driven by the BRI, growing transport network is increasing passenger, trade flows across Southeast Asia
Fast freight
The success of the passenger service has been matched by freight growth. In less than four years, the China-Laos Railway has transported over 70 million metric tons of goods, becoming a vital artery for trade between China and Southeast Asia.
Products move in both directions — from rubber and tropical fruit from Laos and Thailand to Chinese-made machinery, new energy vehicles and photovoltaic products headed south.
The number of cross-border product categories has expanded from about 500 at launch to over 3,000, while the Mohan Rail Port has become China's largest rail gateway to Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries.
According to China State Railway Group, freight volume rose from 12.46 million tons in 2022 to 17.76 million tons in 2023, and further to 19.65 million tons last year, reflecting steady growth.
The Lancang-Mekong Express, launched in early 2022, connects Kunming with Thailand and beyond, linking producers and markets across borders.
