electra-supply.com**Interview with Overseas Chinese on the Impact of the China-Laos Railway**
Recently, the international freight volume on the China-Laos Railway has surpassed 10 million tons, marking a significant milestone for this flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative. To explore the opportunities this railway has created for local development, we spoke with several overseas Chinese from neighboring countries.
Yao Bin, President of the China Chamber of Commerce in Laos, offered his perspective: “The China-Laos Railway has transformed Laos from being ‘landlocked’ into ‘land-linked’, providing a substantial boost to the local economy.” He highlighted that the railway streamlines import and export operations, greatly benefiting sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. “For instance, Laos is renowned for its agricultural products like coffee, rubber, and fruits. The railway has shortened transportation times for these goods from 5-10 days to just 1-2 days, which significantly enhances their competitiveness in international markets.”
Yao also pointed out that the railway has opened new business opportunities for overseas Chinese entrepreneurs. “Many are taking advantage of the logistical benefits to expand into cross-border e-commerce and new retail sectors.” According to data from the China Chamber of Commerce in Laos, over 70% of overseas Chinese businesspeople have reported substantial growth in their operations since the railway’s launch. Their investment strategies are diversifying as well, with many entering the logistics sector by establishing centers and storage facilities to maximize the railway’s regional impact. “We are confident in the role the China-Laos Railway plays in promoting regional economic development and cultural exchange, and we look forward to exploring mutually beneficial cooperation in emerging fields like renewable energy, information technology, and the digital economy,” Yao expressed.
Yang Donglun, Chief Representative of the Chongqing Office of the National Chamber of Commerce of Laos, underscored the improvements in travel conditions since the railway began operations. “Before the railway, it would take a full day to travel from Luang Namtha Province in northern Laos to Vientiane. Now, that trip takes just over three hours.” He emphasized how much more convenient and comfortable travel has become for local residents.
As the influence of the China-Laos Railway expands, the connections between China and Southeast Asian countries like Laos are strengthening. Yang, who has lived in Laos for 13 years, noted that Chongqing is the first city along the railway to implement regular weekly services, injecting new energy into regional economic development. “Tropical fruits and specialty products from Southeast Asia are now more accessible in Chongqing and offered at more reasonable prices.”
He also emphasized that an increasing number of enterprises from Chongqing in sectors such as machinery, automobiles, and motorcycles are eager to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the railway. “We will continue to support more Chinese companies in their expansion into the ASEAN market and strive to enhance deep cooperation in areas like talent exchange for mutual benefit.”
Dai Xiangshun, President of the Thailand-China Entrepreneurs Association, pointed out that northern regions of Thailand, including Nong Khai, have experienced significant economic growth since the railway opened, leading to numerous business and job opportunities. “Nong Khai is leveraging the freight capacity and passenger flow brought by the railway to actively develop border trade, transportation services, and specialty tourism, making it a hotspot for overseas Chinese investment and entrepreneurship.”
Dai also mentioned the ongoing construction of the China-Thailand Railway, the second phase of which will connect to the China-Laos Railway, further facilitating trade and exchanges between China, Laos, and Thailand. “We are optimistic about future development prospects and are looking for opportunities to collaborate with local partners to align our strategies and share in the benefits of synergistic growth.”
