The first China-Laos-Thailand express freight train recently departed from the Chengdu International Railway Port in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The train — bound for Thailand — launched its maiden service on November 17.

"The launch of the express freight train service, which cuts delivery time for goods from Chengdu to Thailand to under five days, marks a significant milestone in improving connectivity and boosting common development between the three countries," a statement released by China's state media, said.