By Ron Chen, Correspondent ASEAN Region

On December 3, the China-Laos Railway, which runs more than 1,035 kilometers from Kunming in Southwest China to the Laotian capital Vientiane, was officially launched. The opening of this railway is a landmark event that will make significant contributions to regional development and prosperity.

The new rail link features Huawei Smart Railway Solution, a technology suite that boosts safety and security in all phases, from the construction stage to the operational phase. Huawei has worked closely with Laotian telecom operators to build a high-speed network along the high-speed line. The stable connection it provides will benefit passengers, as well as rural residents along the way.

The new rail link transforms the grueling 2-day road journey between the two cities into a smooth and comfortable 3-hour ride. The first train line in Laos, it turns the landlocked country into one that’s linked to one of China’s largest cities.

 “The launch of the Laos-China Railway reflects the grand vision of leaders of both countries. It marks the culmination of five years of tireless efforts by workers in both countries. Huawei worked with Laos telecom operators to build the wireless network along the railway,” said Minister of Technology and Communications of Laos, Dr. Boviengkham Vongdara. “With 5G coverage available in the near future, people will enjoy a stable, high-speed and smart connectivity. Working in the train and getting in touch with friends and families anytime anywhere will become a possibility. Thanks to everyone’s big contributions to this project. Following the opening of this railway, we shall implement One-Belt-One-Road on the digital stage as well.”

The project director of Huawei Laos, Somlith Nammanininh said, “As a Laotian, I am very excited that there is finally a railway in my motherland, this was out of my expectations just a few years ago. I believe the Laos-China Railway will foster the economy, help Laos to integrate into the global market, and create more opportunities for local businesses and people. As a Huawei employee who participated in the network construction of the whole railway, I look forward to seeing the merge of digital technology and modern transportation bring a brighter future to the country.”

Huawei established its wholly-owned subsidiary, Huawei Technologies (Laos) Sole Co., Ltd. in 1998. It employs 150 staff, 70 per cent of whom are Laotians. By serving 75 per cent of the population, Huawei plays a major role in Laos and is leveraging its strengths to help transform Laos from a landlocked to a land-linked country seamlessly connected to the world.