Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Lao P.D.R

Abstract

Practically, the concept and activities of BRI in terms of infrastructure, investment ownership and evolution of BRI in previous years is still unclear among policymakers in the Lao PDR. This could distort the direction of understanding and decision making in the years to come. More importantly, the policy formulation related to BRI and its activities are mainly driven by Chinese counterpart due to the weak capacity of Lao side. Therefore, the purpose of such policy and activities might not optimally serve the goals of national policies such as the achievement of green economy, LDCs and SDGs. Regarding to potential impacts of BRI on the achievement of SDGs including SDGs goal 18-reduce impact of UXO (the national SDG goal). There are risks and opportunities. The risks are mainly embedded with the social, environmental and debt sustainability whereas the potential opportunities could primarily be in the areas of poverty, economic and capacity building. Therefore, collecting information, monitoring and evaluating the impact of BRI activities on SDGs from now on is crucial to inform and suggest the policy options to policymakers and practitioners to exploit the benefits while mitigate the risks to ensure the achievement of SDGs by 2030. Special attention should be focused on the impact of railway project and its spillovers on the SDGs at the national level and local communities.