In Laos, a 414-kilometer (260-mile) railroad is due to open on December 3. It was built by China in five years as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. The $6 billion project was 70% funded by China and 30% by Laos, and it is operated by the joint Lao-China Railway Company. The passenger ticket price to travel the full route is reported to be the equivalent of approximately $13.30. Presidents Xi Jinping and Thongloun Sisoulith with jointly witness its official opening.