At the 2022 China International Import Expo in Shanghai, the Yunnan Provincial Department of Commerce promotes the China-Laos Mohan-Boten Economic Cooperation Zone to attract Chinese investors. Courtesy of an interviewee
The China–Laos Mohan–Boten Economic Cooperation Zone, a flagship project personally promoted by Chinese leader Xi Jinping as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is now facing serious setbacks. Recently, more than a dozen Chinese-funded businesses operating within the Laos portion of the zone have been forced to shut down due to the lack of proper local operating licenses.
Despite receiving official backing and promotional support from Chinese authorities, these investors now find themselves under pressure from the Laotian government, while Chinese officials deflect responsibility, leaving the businesses exposed to significant financial losses.
