Abstract
The study aims to assess the successes and drawbacks of the Laos-China railway, drawing lessons for Vietnam in constructing its North - South highspeed railway. It adopts a qualitative approach, analyzing secondary sources to examine the construction of the Laos-China railway and the current state of Vietnam’s railway system. The findings indicate that the railway has brought multiple benefits to Laos, such as reducing commuting time, boosting trade, creating job opportunities for Lao residents, and strengthening regional connectivity, thereby enhancing Laos’s role in Southeast Asia’s economic network. However, Laos also faces significant challenges, including a substantial increase in public debt, a growing dependence on Chinese investment and technology, and adverse environmental impacts associated with large-scale infrastructure projects. The study recommends that Vietnam should proceed cautiously in accepting foreign support, focus on infrastructure development in key areas, and thoroughly assess the social and environmental impacts of the North - South high-speed railway project to ensure sustainable and independent development.
Keywords: Railway, China - Laos, Laos-China railway, Vietnam North -South Railway
Image Source: CAN