The launch of a cross-border passenger train on the China-Laos Railway has generated excitement and hope among the people of Laos, who see it as a milestone for their country. The service, which is set to begin operations on April 15, will connect the Lao capital, Vientiane, with Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan province. More than 200 Chinese tourists are expected to arrive on the train, which is seen as crucial to bolstering the Lao economy, particularly the tourism sector. Laos is estimated to receive 368,000 Chinese tourists this year, up 21 percent from 2022, with many of them traveling on the China-Laos Railway. The railway operator is taking steps to improve services related to passenger travel and freight transport, including resolving existing problems, to ensure a safe and smooth trip for all passengers.