At the 25th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Council, held in Tianjin in the northern region of the Chinese mainland, Laos was welcomed as a dialogue partner. For many young Laotians, this marks a milestone in deepening regional ties. Economics student Eakvixay Tran, studying at Tsinghua University, offers a firsthand look at how economic cooperation with China has brought real change to life back home.
Tran notes that the railway is more than steel and sleepers—it acts as a lifeline, transforming trade, tourism and daily commutes for countless Laotians.
Officially launched in 2021, the cross-border rail link connects Kunming in the Chinese mainland with Vientiane, Laos. Since trains began rolling, local markets have seen a surge in goods—from Laotian coffee and timber to electronics imported from the Chinese mainland. Small businesses along the route report faster deliveries and lower shipping costs, while tourists find it easier to explore vibrant villages in Laos’s highlands.
Beyond the tracks, Chinese mainland companies have increased investments in hydropower, mining and agriculture. This has created jobs and improved infrastructure in towns far from the capital. Residents of these areas have gained new skills and steady incomes as factories open and local facilities expand.
Tran remains optimistic about his country’s future, noting that Laos is stepping onto the SCO stage not as a spectator but as an active contributor to a larger regional economy. His perspective resonates with young global citizens, entrepreneurs and changemakers who see infrastructure as a gateway to opportunity.
For travelers and digital nomads, the railway also unlocks new adventure routes. Eco-lodges and community-based tourism are emerging along the line, offering immersive stays in villages known for bamboo crafts and mountain treks. The result is a blend of commerce and culture that reflects the dynamic spirit of today’s G20 generation.
With economic cooperation deepening and regional ties growing, Laos stands as a vivid example of how strategic partnerships can reshape a nation’s trajectory—one train at a time.
Reference(s):
We Talk: Laotian describes benefits of Laos-China economic cooperation
cgtn.com
