Laos just scored a major win at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Tianjin this week, becoming a dialogue partner alongside economic heavyweights. But what does this mean for everyday Laotians? We chatted with Eakvixay Tran, a sharp economics student from Laos studying at Beijing’s Tsinghua University, to get the inside scoop.
🚄 "The China-Laos Railway isn’t just about moving goods—it’s moving lives," Tran says. The 1,035-km rail link between Kunming and Vientiane has slashed travel times, boosted tourism, and even sparked a "noodle diplomacy" trend as food vendors along the route mix Lao and Chinese flavors. 🌶️🍜
With Chinese investments unlocking Laos’ natural resources like timber and minerals, Tran sees a bright future: "Young people here are learning tech skills from Chinese partners. It’s like we’re building apps for progress!" 📱💡
As the SCO expands its Asian economic web, Tran’s message is clear: "This isn’t just about trains—it’s about tracks to tomorrow." 🌏✨
