SEAToday.com, Vientiane-After operating since April 2023, the Laos-China railway has transported more than 1.8 million passengers for the first time in January 2024.

The increase in tourists has also impacted Laos' tourism industry and economy. In January, the Laos-China railway transported more than 1.86 million passengers on board, including 23.000 international passengers. This increase in visitors has also led to a rise in tourism both domestic and international.

Therefore, the railway also played a vital role in delivering goods moving 2 million tons of cargo in January 2024.

Moreover, this figure reflects a significant increase since it opened in April 2023, with the highest number of passengers at 13.000, including international travelers.

Meanwhile, in 2023, the consumer price index rose by 31.2 percent resulting in nearly double the prices of daily goods. Despite the price hikes, the increase in tourists still holding out hope for Laos' economic recovery. (LALA/ALVIN)