Laos is set to open a $6 billion Chinese-built railway on Friday, with debt concerns balanced against hopes it could boost the reclusive nation’s struggling economy. The 414-kilometre (260-mile) route took five years to construct under China’s trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative. Analysts have acknowledged the potential economic boost, but have queried how infrastructure-poor Laos will pay its $1.06 billion debt — and whether it is ready to exploit the state-of-the-art transport system. But Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Wednesday the “flagship project” would give a …

Read More