As a flagship project of high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Laos,the China-Laos Railway is a landmark project connecting China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Laos’ strategy of transforming from land-locked country into a land-linked country. Based on the China-Laos Railway,the construction of New Trade Corridor of China-Laos-Thailand plays an indispensable role in connecting China,Laos and Thailand. It can also promote the construction of the Economic Corridors between China and the Mainland Southeast Asia and a closer China-ASEAN community with shared future. Meanwhile,it is an important exploration to the development of the “southwest direction” of the “new land-sea trade corridor in the Western China” and the acceleration of connecting the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Currently,the development of the new trade channel between China,Laos and Thailand is hampered by the weak transport infrastructure,lag in ports construction,lack of modern logistics centers and the low level of customs clearance facilitation. Consensus shall be reached by China,Laos and Thailand to accelerate the construction of the New Trade Corridor of China-Laos-Thailand while adhere to the principle of extensive consultation,joint contribution and mutual benefits.
Keywords: | ConnectivityThe Belt and Road InitiativeChina-Laos RailwayMainland Southeast AsiaNew Trade Corridor of China-Laos-Thailand |