A freight train loaded with construction materials, machinery and agricultural products departed from Guangyuan, Southwest China's Sichuan province, on April 28, bound for Vientiane, Laos.

Guangyuan in Sichuan province holds a ceremony on April 28 to mark the opening of an international freight train linking it with Vientiane, Laos, via the China-Laos Railway. [Photo/share.gyxww.cn]

The train is expected to reach its final destination in a span of four to six days, a trip of over 2,680 kilometers.

The new international freight train will help the city better translate its transport strength into economic advantages and accelerate the building of a national logistics center.

A freight train loaded with goods departs from Guangyuan, Sichuan province, on April 28, for its final destination of Vientiane in Laos. [Photo/share.gyxww.cn]

Wu Ronghua, vice-mayor of Guangyuan, said that the newly launched international cargo line will further lower the cost of logistics and trade business in Guangyuan and neighboring areas, advance the trade ties of Guangyuan with the Beibu Gulf region and ASEAN member states, and elevate its opening up to a higher level.

Wu called on local enterprises to grasp new development opportunities, expand their overseas presence, and bring together more resources for Guangyuan in the building of a modern and central city in the border area of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces.

Peng Qiang, deputy general-manager of China Railway Chengdu Bureau Group, said that the company will further optimize its transport capacity and roll out high-quality services in a move to support local economic and social development.