In Vientiane, the Lao government is focusing on expanding agricultural production to enhance its economy, leveraging the China-Laos Railway to facilitate agricultural exports through expedited and efficient transportation. Since its inception, the railway has proven to be an efficient passage for moving agricultural products from Laos to China.
The railway has transported 172,410 tons of agricultural products so far in 2025, reflecting a 40.18% increase from the previous year. In 2024, exports of Lao agricultural commodities such as fruits, cassava, rubber, and rice to Chinese cities, including Kunming, Chongqing, and Guangzhou, rose by 79% compared to 2023, enabling Lao goods to penetrate international markets, as per the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. report.
Anousone, combining office work and fruit farming as a side activity, articulated optimism about the railway's influence on Lao agriculture and the broader economy. He stated, "I hope that as the railway continues to develop, it will help Lao products reach even more global markets, boosting exports and strengthening the economy." The railway is viewed as a facilitator of growth, anticipated to improve competitiveness among Lao farmers, fostering economic development and product quality enhancement.
The railway prioritizes the transportation of Lao agricultural exports, providing comprehensive support to operators on request, regardless of shipment volume. Malivanh, based in Vientiane, recognizes the competitive edge of Lao agricultural products in global markets due to the country's fertile land and sees the railway as a resolution to logistical challenges, aiding in reaching international markets more efficiently.
Projecting a 4.3% growth in agriculture by 2025, the Lao government aims for agriculture to contribute 22.4% to the national GDP. The railway's role is central in this growth strategy, offering a streamlined pathway for exporting products.
Source: Xinhua
