China-Laos railway to boost connectivity, promote businesses: Lao official

VIENTIANE -- The China-Laos railway and the Vientiane-Boten expressway will provide huge momentum in strengthening Laos' connectivity with the rest of the region, local daily Vientiane Times on Tuesday quoted Acting President of the Lao National Economic Research Institute Sathabandith Insyxiengmay as saying.

The railway and expressway are part of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and in line with the Lao government's strategy to convert the country from being landlocked to land-linked within the region, Sathabandith said.

These two routes will enable faster movement of people and workers, while investors will be able to operate businesses in more areas, said the official, adding that it will lead to the improvement of services and facilities in towns situated along the railway and expressway.

These routes will create purchasing power synergy and will expedite the growth of urban areas as development is closely linked to population size, said Sathabandith.

Sathabandith said it will be necessary to build roads that link the railway with production sites so that goods can be transported easily, adding that logistics and cross-border services must be integrated to facilitate the transport of goods by rail.

The development of smart cities is critical to attract more trade and investment, said the official.