Core Viewpoint - The signing of the strategic cooperation framework agreement between Kunming University and the Mohan-Deng Economic Cooperation Zone aims to enhance regional development and support the construction of the Mohan International Port City, aligning with national strategies and the "Four Good" construction of the China-Laos Railway [1] Group 1: Strategic Cooperation - The cooperation will focus on think tank cultivation, talent development, platform construction, and research collaboration, establishing a long-term and comprehensive partnership [2] - A think tank cultivation plan will provide precise decision-making consultation and technical support on key issues such as cross-border economy and livelihood development [2] - A talent development plan will establish training bases and promote practical training for international talents, contributing to the cultivation of practical talents [2] Group 2: Report Release - The "China-Laos Railway Development Report (2025)" was released concurrently, aiming to provide systematic intellectual support for high-quality development and regional cooperation [2] - The report systematically reviews the institutional innovation achievements since the operation of the China-Laos Railway and constructs a scientific development index for the railway [3] - The China-Laos Railway Development Index focuses on six areas: railway construction, trade openness, port economy, digital economy, rural revitalization, and tourism industry, serving as the first systematic evaluation index for the railway [3] Group 3: Recommendations and Impact - The report highlights the significant improvement in cross-border logistics and supply chain integration, promoting coordinated development in trade investment, digital economy, green development, and cultural exchange [3] - It suggests comprehensive policies to optimize trade investment structure, promote cultural and tourism integration, enhance cultural exchanges, and drive technological empowerment for future development [3]

Core Insights - The China-Laos Railway has operated since December 3, 2021, and as of September 20, 2025, it has transported a total of 83,000 passenger trains, carrying 59 million passengers, with 48.6 million in China and 10.4 million in Laos, including 580,000 cross-border passengers [1][2] Passenger Traffic Growth - In 2022, the railway transported 8.246 million passengers, which increased to 16.598 million in 2023, marking a 100% year-on-year growth. The forecast for 2024 is 19.114 million passengers, reflecting a 15% increase [1] - From January 1 to September 20 of the current year, the railway operated 18,900 passenger trains, sending 14.5 million passengers, with 11.9 million in China and 2.6 million in Laos, representing a year-on-year growth of 3.2% [1] Capacity Expansion - Since its opening, the railway has continuously increased its capacity, with domestic train services rising from an initial 8 trains per day to a peak of 86, while international services increased from 4 to a maximum of 18 trains per day [1] - On April 13, 2023, the first passenger train from Kunming South to Vientiane was launched, followed by the opening of a train from Xishuangbanna to Luang Prabang on April 13, 2024, which will extend to Pu'er on April 13, 2025 [1] International Service Enhancements - On July 18 of this year, the railway expanded its international service range, extending the route from Pu'er to Luang Prabang to include Kunming to Vientiane, creating a second international passenger train service [2] - The number of cross-border passenger seats has increased from an initial 250 to 390, and currently to 420 seats per train, with daily cross-border passenger numbers rising from 300 to a peak of 1,300 [2]