[Report by Zhao Meng] Recently, the Export-Import Bank of China provided financial support for the China-Laos Railway high-speed train leasing project. This project, the first cross-border high-speed train leasing project in the Hainan Free Trade Port, aims to enhance the passenger capacity of the China-Laos Railway, improve travel conditions for local residents in Laos, and stimulate economic development along the railway line.
It is reported that the China-Laos Railway, a flagship cooperation project between the two countries, has transported 62.5 million passengers in the four years since its opening. With the continued growth in passenger flow, capacity on the Lao section is becoming increasingly strained, leading to a shortage of tickets. After the implementation of this high-speed train leasing project, the daily passenger capacity of the China-Laos Railway is expected to increase by more than 1,300 passengers, and the frequency of train operations will increase by 15%. Meanwhile, the tax incentives of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the project's "light asset, long-term" leasing model will help enterprises significantly reduce initial investment and operating costs, effectively alleviating financial pressure. Going forward, the Export-Import Bank of China will continue to leverage its professional advantages and make full use of various preferential policies to support the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative with high-quality and efficient financial services.
