Laos-China Railway Marks Fourth Anniversary with Record Growth_blog

05 Dec, 2025

Laos-China Railway Marks Fourth Anniversary with Record Growth

The Laos-China Railway (LCR) marked four years of operation on 3 December, highlighting its transformative role in turning Laos from a “landlocked” nation into a “land-linked” regional transport hub since its launch in 2021.

The railway, as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has transported over 62.5 million passengers and carried more than 72.5 million tons of cargo so far, state media reported.

Cargo Operations Expand Dramatically

Railway cargo operations have expanded significantly, growing from 2 to 23 daily routes over the past four years. The network has transported over 60,000 cargo trips, delivering goods to 19 countries and regions including Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. More than 3,800 types of goods are now transported along the railway corridor.

Advanced digital cargo stations and streamlined customs procedures have improved efficiency, slashing transit times from 40 hours to just 2 to 5 hours. Transport costs have fallen by 30 to 50 percent, making the route increasingly competitive for regional trade.

In a milestone for agricultural exports, Laos shipped its first full train load of 1,000 tons of locally produced cassava starch to China via the LCR on 29 November.

Tourism and Passenger Services Surge

International passenger services have also expanded substantially, with train capacity increasing from 250 to 420 seats per trip. Travelling times are now over 15 hours shorter compared to road travel, benefiting tourism, education, and cross-border business activities.

The railway has connected popular destinations including Kunming and Xishuangbanna in China with Luang Prabang and Vientiane in Laos, spurring development of hotels, restaurants, and markets along the route.

Regional Integration

On a similar development on 2 December, Laos and Thailand have just opened a freight train route connecting Thanaleng Dry Port in Vientiane Capital with Thailand’s Nong Khai Station. Future expansion plans include the Laos-Thailand Railway , which will connect to the LCR through a planned new railway bridge crossing the Mekong River between Vientiane and Nong Khai, set to become the second friendship bridge linking the two cities.

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08 Dec, 2025

Laos–Vietnam Railway Construction to Begin in 2026, Operations Targeted for 2030

Construction of the first railway linking Laos and Vietnam is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the line expected to become operational by 2030, officials announced at the Lao–Vietnam Investment Promotion Conference 2025 in Vientiane on 3 December.The strategic route will connect Vientiane to Vietnam’s Vung Ang Port, giving Laos critical access to maritime trade routes for the first time. The project is being implemented as a public–private partnership between Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PTL) and Vietnam’s Deo Ca Group JSC.PTL Founder and Director-General Chanthone Sitthixay said Laos has completed about 90 percent of preparatory work, including fundraising, feasibility studies, site surveys, design, and environmental assessments. Construction on the Lao section is scheduled to begin in 2026.Vietnam is currently conducting economic evaluations and initial design work, with its construction phase set to start in 2027. Both governments aim to complete the railway and commence operations by 2030.The line will cover 452 kilometres within Laos and 119 kilometres in Vietnam, terminating at Vung Ang seaport in Ha Tinh province. The total investment is estimated at USD 6.6 billion.The project also grants Laos priority access to Wharves No. 1, 2 and 3 at Vung Ang Port. Wharf No. 3, inaugurated on 28 April, can handle large cargo ships and process over two million tonnes of goods annually, raising the port’s total capacity to more than six million tonnes.Officials say the railway is expected to boost regional logistics, reduce transport costs, and deepen economic cooperation between the two neighbouring states.

03 Dec, 2025

Lao Migrant Workers Send Home USD 366 Million in First Half of 2025, Under 10% Using Banks

Lao migrant workers sent home an estimated USD 366 million in the first six months of this year, according to new data from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.Officials reported steady growth in labor migration over the past five years, with 350,567 Lao citizens working abroad between 2021 and 2025. Of the remittances sent home this year, USD 32.5 million was transferred through formal banking channels, including USD 8.3 million via Indochina Bank and USD 24.2 million through the Lao Foreign Trade Bank. Nevertheless, the official did not disclose the destination of the remaining amount.During a meeting on 25 November, Vanny Keovongxay, Deputy Director of the Department of Employment, noted that overseas employment continues to provide important economic opportunities for Lao workers, while remittances remain a critical source of income for households and national development. She added that the ministry will continue coordinating with partner governments and domestic agencies to strengthen safe, legal, and productive pathways for Lao citizens seeking work in countries such as Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.Migration Driven by Global Trends, Local ChallengesAccording to officials, labor mobility is increasingly shaped by global economic pressures and shifting livelihoods. The search for higher wages, improved living conditions, and greater financial security is a major driver of migration worldwide.Despite the opportunities available, the authorities also warned that migrants still face unsafe working conditions, exploitation, rights abuses, and risks related to human trafficking. Support services for workers have increased nationwide. There are now 48 employment service enterprises, 18 provincial service centers, 41 district-level job service points, six migrant information centers, and one migrant worker assistance center operating across the country.