The trains, which will operate services from Myitkyina to Mandalay, are the first rail vehicles assembled in the country using CRRC technology.

The ceremony was attended by the Chinese ambassador to Myanmar, Mr Hong Liang, the deputy general manager of China National Machinery Import and Export Group, Mr Zhao Jun, Myanmar Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Wu Dan Xinmei, chief minister of Kachin State, Mr Wu Keang, and director of the Myanmar Railway Bureau, Mr Wu Duxiang.

In a speech during the ceremony, Hong said accelerating railway construction was conducive to improving the efficiency of Myanmar’s transport infrastructure and logistics.

Chinese ambassador to Myanmar, Mr Hong Liang.

China exported the production and assembly technology for the construction and assembly of the locomotives and coaches, and also supplied materials and parts for the vehicles. This included 456 pieces of advanced production and processing equipment provided by CRRC Sifang to manufacture and assemble the coaches. The company also trained 26 staff.

According to a press release published by the Chinese Embassy, Myanmar is also expected to begin exporting railway products and services to neighbouring countries, which Hong says will promote the development of trade and cooperation in the region.

The project is part of China’s Belt and Road initiative in the country, with rail forming the backbone of the proposed China - Myanmar Economic Corridor. Hong said the peace process in North Myanmar has recently made positive progress, which created favourable conditions for the development of the rail link.

Hong said China is hoping that the major towns in the northern part of Myanmar, including Myitkyina, will become the node hub of the China - Myanmar Railway.

Wu Dan Xinmei said the train had been financed using Chinese loans to purchase parts for the locomotives and coaches.

Wu Keang said that the new trains will shorten the journey from Myitkyina to Mandalay by two hours, which will improve travel for local residents and promote the development of trade and tourism in Kachin State.

China and MR signed a contract to develop the two facilities in 2013. So far, six locomotives and 21 coaches have been assembled, with output expected to reach 20 locomotives and 120 coaches per year.