Editor's note: Kavan Xaiphouvong was an overseas student who studied in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province for three years. After graduation, he utilized the knowledge he gained in China and became involved in the construction of the China-Laos Railway in Laos. This is his story.

With the opening of the China-Laos Railway in 2021, the journey from China to Laos has been shortened to 10 hours.

Kavan Xaiphouvong, a graduate from the Nanjing Vocational Institute of Transport Technology (NJITT), is among those working on the construction and operation of the China-Laos Railway.

Kavan Xaiphouvong works on a train on the China-Laos Railway in Laos. [Photo provided to english.jsjyt.edu.cn]

The Laotian started studying in NJITT in 2017. Determined to fulfill his dream of building railways in Laos, he picked urban rail transit and metro services as his major.

After graduation, Xaiphouvong returned to Laos and became involved in the construction of the China-Laos Railway. He says that the knowledge he gained during his time at NJITT has proven to be most valuable to his work.

Over the past few years, Xaiphouvong has risen the ranks to become a railroad yardmaster.

Xaiphouvong's story is just one example of how the NIJTT has contributed to the development of a country and the enhancement of ties between China and Laos.

The institute is constantly exploring innovative ways to enhance international cooperation and communication. It has also launched overseas education programs to develop talents for countries along the Belt and Road.

The first international freight train to ply the China-Laos Railway arrives in Vientiane, capital of Laos. [Photo provided to english.jsjyt.edu.cn]