It was expected that the project was not going to be profitable enough for China since they have to build the railroad from scratch through the mountains of Laos. It's more profitable to go through Thailand or Vietnam towards Malasia and Singapore because of already existing railroads and skilled manpower in those countries. For Laos, China has to do everything themselves for the project to finish on time. Otherwise, a delayed construction will be very costly to the Chinesse. They are too smart not to realize it. It is already known that all the Chinese want is to have trade access with bigger economies like Thailand, Malyasia and Singapore. All Lao leaders are afraid of is be left out. If Laos has to go it alone, it would be even much worse because it will become more costly. If Lao leaders are really dying to have this train at all cost, they would be better off teaming up with the other Asian countries, like Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.
As I said, Laos don't absolutely need this high-speed train. Laos first need a better educated citizen, better roads and infrastructure. Laos don't need to prostitute itself to the Chinese or its neighbors in exchanges for the high speed train.
That[s a great news! We don't need high speed rail, we need better highways! We already have rail across the Mekong and we still don't have enough goods to export! Build strong economy first!
