New cross-border transport route launched in China, Laos and Cambodia

A new international logistics route connecting China, Laos, and Cambodia was launched in Kunming, Yunnan Province, marking the operational start of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) direct cross-border transport route under the GMS Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement. The route enables continuous freight movement from Kunming through Vientiane to Phnom Penh using a one container to the end model.

Equipped with smart logistics tools—such as electronic seals, pre-declaration systems, and multi-country joint transport protocols—the route eliminates the need for cargo transfers, repacking, or truck changes. This innovation reduces transit time to 6–8 days, improving efficiency by over 40 per cent and minimizing the risk of cargo damage.

The project builds on previous milestones in GMS connectivity, including the China-Laos-Thailand route launched in February 2025. Yunnan’s transport department plans to expand the GMS logistics network further and deepen regional industrial integration. In Q1 2025, ASEAN remained China’s largest trade partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD234.17 billion, a 7.1 per cent increase year-on-year.