Friday, October 4, 2024 The Pan Asia Railway plan aims to revolutionize the economic prospects of many smaller neighboring countries, enhancing their capacity to import and export while significantly boosting their vital tourism industries. The Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013 by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, has led to substantial investments in infrastructure globally, spanning regions such as Asia, Africa, and South America. However, critics have raised concerns, characterizing the initiative as an effort by the Chinese government to expand its influence over various countries, many of which are burdened with significant debts to China.
A notable recent development within the BRI is the impressive China-Laos railway, which has dramatically improved connectivity for Laos, a small agricultural nation located south of China. Laos has historically struggled to keep pace economically with its wealthier neighbors, partly due to its landlocked status, which complicates sea exports, as well as a lack of infrastructure linking it to neighboring countries. The £38 billion project was completed in 2021 after 11 years of construction, during which engineers had to navigate complex terrain, creating a route through dense forests and hilly landscapes.
Remarkably, 87 percent of the railway route consists of bridges and tunnels, with one tunnel stretching an impressive 8 kilometers in length. The China-Laos railway spans 3,000 kilometers, connecting China, Thailand, and Kuala Lump.