- Malaysia and Thailand take a significant step towards strengthening their economic ties and regional connectivity by expanding cooperation in freight transport and express rail services.
- ASEAN Express train service is a testament to commitment to enhancing Silk Road connectivity in ASEAN and Asia
- ASEAN Express, connecting Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and China is expected to open new markets
Hira Aftab, Trainee Journalist at SRN
Islamabad: As globalization weaves its complicated web, connecting countries and cultures in a vast web of interdependence, the world gets smaller, borders become hazier, and relationships grow stronger.
Similarly, ASEAN, a dynamic economic powerhouse, exemplifies this trend. The region’s burgeoning economies have significantly contributed to global growth, underscoring the power of regional cooperation. These ten Southeast Asian countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam have been playing a pivotal role in their economic cooperation.
Verily, the amiable attitude of these countries towards each other has promoted economic growth, trade, and investment among member states. That further leads to their political stability as well as social and cultural development in Asia.
In the same vein, Malaysia and Thailand have taken a significant step towards strengthening their economic ties and regional connectivity by expanding cooperation in freight transport and express rail services; consequently, it will help to transport goods in bulk or large quantity. The choice to restart the express service was reached during the 42nd KTMB-SRT joint conference in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, according to reports from foreign media.
In the past, SRT had stopped its daily expressive service between Bangkok and Butterworth in 2016, only operating to Padang Besar at the Malaysia- Thailand Border. The expansion of the ASEAN Express train service is a testament to our commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and promoting economic growth, according to Ekkarat. The train will arrive by 9 days like clockwork rather than taking 19 or 21 days by sea. Moreover, this strategic moves aims to enhance trade, tourism, and overall economic and political prosperity for both nations. Not only this, the ASEAN Express cargo rail route connecting Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and China that will double its frequency. This will provide a more efficient and timely transportation option for goods, reducing transit times and costs.
In addition to it, revival of direct train service between Bangkok, Padang Besar, and Butterworth marks a profound milestone in regional rail connectivity.s In fact, the convenience and affordability of rail travel have attracted more tourists to both Malaysia and Thailand. Essentially, according to the report, since the expansion of rail services, there has been a noticeable increase in in tourist arrivals to these destinations.
Visitors can travel more conveniently and affordably to explore the ethereal beauty of the Malaysia and Thailand. Consequently, it will fascinate more tourists to visit the vibrant cities of these countries; resultantly, this will benefit local businesses, hotels, and attractions, contributing to economic growth in border regions. Furthermore, by the smooth flow of products, this train service will help both Malaysia and Thailand to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to mitigating globalization.
In a similar fashion, these counties already have successful collaborations, such as Mekong- Ganga Cooperation, ASEAN Economic Community, and Joint Development Area. Likewise, the Padang Besar- Hayati junction is one of the most notable outcomes of the expanded rail cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand has long been a hub for trade and tourism.
However, despite the significant benefits, the expansion of rail services also presents some challenges. One of the key challenges will be infrastructure development. As of now, both countries have invested heavily in upgrading railway tracks, stations, and customs facilities to accommodate heavy traffic. But, the strong cooperation between these two countries have been working together to overcome all the upcoming challenges.
Given the above, ASEAN has become ahead of the curve on the global stage, trying to have better relations with other countries to expand their economic growth. To cap it all up, the expanded economic projects between ASEAN countries serve as a prime example for other developing nations at the helm of the economic cooperation.
By investing in regional cooperation and infrastructure, these nations can also achieve the similar economic stability and strategic development goals. In conclusion, this rail service project between Malaysia and Thailand will bring a brusque development to their regional cooperation and economic prosperity. By taking the advantages of increasing trade, reducing costs, and improving connectivity will help these nations to earn some brownie points on international level.
The newly launched cargo rail service, ASEAN Express, connecting Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and China is expected to open new markets in the region and lower costs for local businesses and people. The first ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Express departed a Kelana Jaya inland depot in Malaysia’s Selangor state on Jun 27, 2024, in the presence of representatives from the four countries.
Railway industry experts have stated the new logistics and transport connectivity will spur the rail manufacturing industry and lower logistics costs by up to 30 per cent, leading to open new business and economic opportunities in ASEAN region.
