Freight trains boost Suzhou, Laos connections

A freight train loaded with high-tech products departed from Suzhou in East China's Jiangsu province for Vientiane, Laos on Jan 11, local media outlets reported.

It was the first international freight train from the Yangtze River Delta region to Laos since Jan 1, 2022, the day the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership took effect.

The train was fully loaded with LCD monitors and auto parts produced by high-tech enterprises in Suzhou and other cities of Jiangsu province, with a total value of about 50 million yuan ($7.87 million). The train is expected to arrive in Vientiane in seven days. The goods will be delivered to Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.

The train was meant to further increase international logistics efficiency and introduce more Chinese products to RCEP member countries. It will travel between China and Laos once a week.