A group of 24 students and faculty from Beijing Jiaotong University started a week-long social practice program last week via the China-Laos Railway to Vientiane, Laos, to witness and experience the development of countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.
During the journey, they engaged in discussions with China-Laos Railway staff, passengers, and representatives from the Confucius Institute of the National University of Laos, collectively witnessing the remarkable achievements of the China-Laos Railway.
The group includes Chinese and international students from various academic disciplines at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels.
Zhang Zhendong, the train station head of the Vientiane operation and management center, shared some statistics with the group to highlight the significance of the China-Laos Railway.
"Since the railway opened, both passenger and freight volumes have exceeded expectations. The daily passenger count has surged from over 2,000 at the start to a peak of more than 14,000, and freight volume has jumped from over 4,000 tons per day to 20,000 tons," Zhang said.
A tourist traveling to Luang Prabang compared the travel experience before and after the opening of the China-Laos Railway.
"Before the opening of the railway, it took two days of driving to reach Laos for a trip. Now, it only takes a few hours to travel from Kunming to Laos," she said.
Additionally, the railway has significantly impacted the availability of goods. "Durian used to be a luxury fruit for us. Now, durians are everywhere in my city, and the prices of tropical fruits have become more affordable in Kunming," the tourist said.
An automotive sales professional who conducts business in Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand reflected on the past, "Previously, transporting goods by land was time-consuming and costly. However, the opening of the China-Laos Railway has completely changed the situation, not only boosting the sales of Lao products in China but also providing more employment opportunities for Laotians, allowing them to work in China with more income."
"I eagerly look forward to the full completion of the China-Southeast Asia Railway, which will further enhance cultural and economic exchanges between China and the countries along the route, promoting regional integration," said the automotive sales professional during his talk with the students.
Luo Ming, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute of the National University of Laos, shared his view of the project's impact with the students. He said that the China-Laos Railway project has a high demand for talent, making the Confucius Institute's enrollment extremely competitive.
"Before 2019, enrollment was mainly done offline, with long queues of applicants. After switching to online registration, all slots were filled within 25 to 35 seconds," he said.
The group members gained substantial insights through their participation, expressing admiration for the achievements of the BRI.
"This trip has deepened my understanding of the concept of 'unity of knowledge and action'. I have realized that only by addressing issues from a national perspective can we better serve our country and society," said Chen Junxi, a doctoral student at BJTU.
Li Boyu contributed to this story.
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