“以更密切的老中合作造福两国人民”——访老挝副总理吉乔

Group 1 - Laos and China have achieved significant progress in various fields of cooperation under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and ASEAN-China cooperation, benefiting both nations [1] - The China-Laos Railway, which opened in December 2021, has become a vital transportation channel, with over 10.07 million passengers and 12.6 million tons of goods transported in the first half of this year, marking a 1.7% and 25.9% year-on-year increase respectively [1] - The railway has boosted regional economic cooperation and attracted more foreign investment into Laos, leading to new infrastructure projects such as highways connecting Laos with Vietnam and Thailand [1] Group 2 - Ongoing projects include the development of a 500kV/230kV power grid in Vientiane, the comprehensive development of the Vientiane Saysettha Economic Zone, and the second, third, and fourth phases of the China-Laos Highway [2] - The ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 negotiations have been completed, which will enhance economic integration and cooperation in supply chains, digital economy, and green economy between ASEAN and China [2] - China is recognized as a major market driving regional economic growth, and the partnership between ASEAN and China is expected to contribute to regional stability and prosperity [2]