Beijing: When you make friends around the world, using a train instead of a plane to meet up would make life easier and perhaps be the smartest thing financially, too. While attending a journalism program in China in 2019, I met a kindred spirit named Keutkhuanchai Malychansy, also known as Phong, from Laos. We are like brothers who share the same interests and feelings about our countries and their natural beauty, such as the rainforest, and rich heritage, like the Buddhist temples.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Pan-Asian Railway Network (PARN), which will link eight countries from China to Singapore, holds the promise of making travel between friends like us more efficient. This ambitious project aims not only to foster personal connections but also to enhance business opportunities across the region.
The potential of the PARN is immense, offering a more sustainable and financially viable alternative to air travel. As the railway network connects major cities and regions, it is expected to facilit
ate trade and tourism, boosting the economies of the countries involved. This could lead to increased cultural exchange and mutual understanding among the nations linked by the railway.
For individuals like Phong and me, the PARN represents an opportunity to maintain and strengthen friendships across borders. It symbolizes a move towards a more interconnected and harmonious Asia, where the ease of travel can lead to deeper appreciation and respect for each other’s cultures and traditions.
