Railway provides jobs, builds skills, boosts growth

The Laos-China Railway is creating jobs, building skills and hastening Laos’ development as services expand and cross-border travel becomes faster and more convenient.

Ms Soyphet Chanthalith.	Mr Sompheng.

This was the message delivered during a field visit organised by the Laos-China Railway Company from April 15-18 for journalists from Laos and 13 Chinese news agencies, marking the third anniversary of cross-border train services.
Reporters visited stations in Luang Prabang province and Vientiane, where they observed operations and met Lao staff working in both passenger services and technical roles.
The railway has become an important source of employment and training, with Lao staff gaining hands-on experience and guidance from Chinese experts since operations began in 2021.
General Administration Assistant at the station in Luang Prabang, Ms Soyphet Chanthalith, said her life had improved since she started working for the rail company.
She started as a warehouse freight handler but has since moved into an administrative role, helping to manage daily operations and problem-solving at the station.
“This railway has greatly improved my life and my family's wellbeing. The company doesn't just provide a job — it also provides knowledge and good welfare,” she said. 

Mr jeng Thor.

“My goal for the future is to keep developing myself so that one day I can be like my Chinese teachers and lead other staff members,” she added.
Her experience highlights how the railway is helping Lao workers move into more skilled positions and take on greater responsibility.
Mr Jeng Lhor, who is responsible for the public works and general maintenance unit, represents another success story.
After graduating from Souphanouvong University, he received a scholarship to study railway engineering in China. He now works in track maintenance, a key role in ensuring safety.
“Whether the train can run at high speed depends on us, because we work with these two rails using millimetres as our unit of measurement. If a deviation of 1-4 millimetres is detected, we must correct it immediately... We must guarantee 100% safety; we will absolutely not take any risks,” he said.
Mr Jeng has trained three other Lao members of staff who have moved into supervisory roles, reflecting growing expertise in railway operations.
The railway’s expansion has also created more jobs, with passenger service stations increasing from seven to 10, including Kasi, Muang Nga and Namor
Passenger demand continues to rise. On the Lao part of the railway, of trains run each on averageThe railway recorded a single-day high of 10,197 passengers and 2.17 million passengers made as of April 9.
In China, with a single-day high of 74,000 passengers and a total of 11.76 million passengers recorded.
Improved services have made cross-border travel faster, helping to boost tourism and business links.
Mr Sompheng, a radio broadcaster from China who was part of the media group from Beijing, commented on the clear improvement in border procedures.
“I remember that back in 2023, when travelling from Kunming to Vientiane, it took up to three hours to clear the border. But now it takes only 50 to 52 minutes,” he said.
Improved connectivity is expected to attract more visitors and increase trade, further supporting economic growth in Laos.
The railway is emerging as a key driver of Laos’ development, not only improving transport but also creating jobs, building skills and strengthening overall ties between Laos and China.

By Phonepaseuth Volakhoun
 (Latest UpdateApril 18, 2026)