DOCSLIB.ORG

On the Relational Power of Small States: a Case Study of Laos

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
On the Relational Power of Small States: a Case Study of Laos Citation: Giovannini, Gabriele (2017) The Impact of Multinational Transboundary Infrastructures (MTIs) on the Relational Power of Small States: a case study of Laos. Doctoral thesis, Northumbria University. This version was downloaded from Northumbria Research Link: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/35655/ Northumbria University has developed Northumbria Research Link (NRL) to enable users to access the University’s research output. Copyright © and moral rights for items on NRL are retained by the individual author(s) and/or other copyright owners. Single copies of full items can be reproduced, displayed or performed, and given to third parties in any format or medium for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-profit purposes without prior permission or charge, provided the authors, title and full bibliographic details are given, as well as a hyperlink and/or URL to the original metadata page. The content must not be changed in any way. Full items must not be sold commercially in any format or medium without formal permission of the copyright holder. The full policy is available online: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/policies.html THE IMPACT OF MULTINATIONAL TRANSBOUNDARY INFRASTRUCTURES (MTIs) ON THE RELATIONAL POWER OF SMALL STATES: A CASE STUDY OF LAOS G GIOVANNINI PhD 2017 THE IMPACT OF MULTINATIONAL TRANSBOUNDARY INFRASTRUCTURES (MTIs) ON THE RELATIONAL POWER OF SMALL STATES: A CASE STUDY OF LAOS GABRIELE GIOVANNINI A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of Northumbria at Newcastle Research undertaken in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences October 2017 1 ABSTRACT The International Relations (IR) literature has been dominated by studies on great powers, often neglecting the role of small states. Moreover, the accounts on small states have generally overlooked the role of geography. This thesis proposes an analytical framework to observe the role of geography by observing the impact of Multinational Transboundary Infrastructures (MTIs) on the relational power of small states. The framework is then applied to the case study of Laos observing the impact of two selected MTIs – the Xayaburi dam and the Boten-Vientiane high-speed railway – on Laos’s relational power with respect to Vietnam and China. Data has been collected through a set of 48 semi-structured qualitative elite interviews mainly carried out during a period of fieldwork in Laos in 2015. The data generated by the interviews, triangulated with other primary and secondary sources, enabled a process tracing analysis of the two negotiation processes on the selected MTIs. The findings show that the two observed MTIs positively affected the relational power of Laos despite the asymmetry that shapes its bilateral relationships with both Vietnam and China in terms of capabilities. The case study therefore indicates that a central geographic position could reduce asymmetries of power and that relational power manifest a greater explanatory capacity than power-as-capabilities. This thesis contributes to knowledge adding empirical material on the diplomatic negotiation on the Xayaburi dam; on the Boten–Vientiane high-speed railway; on Laos’s international relations with Vietnam and China; and on China’s High-Speed Railway Diplomacy. The thesis contributes also to the theoretical literature by identifying a geographic gap in small states studies. Analytically, the thesis contributes developing the concept of MTIs and an original analytical framework to study relational power. Finally, methodologically the thesis provides new insights on how to gain access to elites in Laos. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE…………………………………………………………………………………...1 ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................... 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................ 3 LIST OF TABLES .......................................................................................................... 7 LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................ 8 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................ 9 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................ 11 DECLARATION ........................................................................................................... 13 CHAPTER I................................................................................................................... 14 INTRODUCTION: THE RESEARCH BACKGROUND, APPROACH AND STRUCTURE ................................................................................................................ 14 1.1 The research background, rationale and goals ...................................................... 14 1.1.1 Why Laos? ............................................................................................................... 14 1.1.2 Why look at Laos through the lens of small states and relational power? ...... 17 1.1.3 Why a multinational and transboundary variable (MTIs) to observe Laos’s relational power? .............................................................................................................. 20 1.2 Selection of cases, methodology and approach ..................................................... 28 1.2.1 Selection of cases .................................................................................................... 28 1.2.2 Methodology and approach ................................................................................... 30 1.3 The structure of the thesis ..................................................................................... 33 CHAPTER II ................................................................................................................. 37 SMALL STATES IN THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS LITERATURE AND THE GEOGRAPHIC GAP ................................................................................ 37 2.1 Introduction: A discipline of power in a world of states ....................................... 37 2.2 How to measure power for hierarchising states? Power-as-capabilities versus relational power ................................................................................................ 39 2.3 What is a small state? The struggle for a definition .............................................. 43 2.3.1 Qualitative and quantitative factors ..................................................................... 43 2.3.2. Small or weak? ....................................................................................................... 45 2.4 What level of analysis for small states? ................................................................ 48 2.4.1 The overlooked role of geography ....................................................................... 50 2.4.2 The role of spaces in Classical Geopolitics, Critical Geopolitics and International Relations .................................................................................................... 51 2.4.3 The paradoxical geographic gap in the International Relations literature on small states.……………………………………………………………………………….54 3 2.5 Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 58 CHAPTER III ............................................................................................................... 60 DEVELOPING AN ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK TO INVESTIGATE THE IMPACT OF MULTINATIONAL TRANSBOUNDARY INFRASTRUCTURES (MTIs) ON THE RELATIONAL POWER OF SMALL STATES .......................... 60 3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 60 3.2 The independent variable: multinational transboundary infrastructures (MTIs) .. 62 3.2.1 Defining MTIs ........................................................................................................ 62 3.2.2 Why are MTIs relevant? ........................................................................................ 65 3.2.3 Strategic, political and economic implications of MTIs ................................... 69 3.3 The dependent variable: relational power ............................................................. 72 3.3.1 The rationale behind the framework .................................................................... 72 3.3.2 Making the analytical framework operational .................................................... 74 3.3.3 What is the expected impact of MTIs on power? ............................................... 79 3.4 Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 80 CHAPTER IV ................................................................................................................ 83 METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................ 83 4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 83 4.2 Applying process tracing and qualitative elite interviews to the case study ......... 85 4.3 Data collection and analysis .................................................................................. 89 4.4 The semi-structured qualitative
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Preparatory Survey on Vientiane Logistics Park (VLP) Project (PPP Infrastructure Project) in Lao P.D.R
    Ministry of Public Works and Transport Lao Peoople’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) Preparatory Survey on Vientiane Logistics Park (VLP) Project (PPP Infrastructure Project) In Lao P.D.R. Final Report July 2015 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nippon Express Co., Ltd. Nittsu Research Institute and Consulting, Inc. Nittsu Real Estate Co., Ltd. OS International Development Center of Japan Inc. JR 15-054 Ministry of Public Works and Transport Lao Peoople’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) Preparatory Survey on Vientiane Logistics Park (VLP) Project (PPP Infrastructure Project) In Lao P.D.R. Final Report July 2015 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nippon Express Co., Ltd. Nittsu Research Institute and Consulting, Inc. Nittsu Real Estate Co., Ltd. International Development Center of Japan Inc. Exchange Rate (February 2015) 1USD=118.59JPN 1THB＝3.64JPN 1KIP＝0.015JPN Preparatory Survey on Vientiane logistics Park (VLP) Project in Lao PDR. Final Report Preparatory Survey on Vientiane Logistics Park (VLP) Project (PPP Infrastructure Project) in Lao P.D.R. Final Report Summary 1. Project Name Vientiane Logistics Park (VLP) (1) Project Site The Thanaleng area where the VLP is planned is located 15 km east-west from downtown Vientiane. It lies opposite Nong Khai Municipality of Thailand, so that Thanaleng has been traditionally a strategic place as a river-crossing point. In 1993, the first Friendship Bridge was completed at the Thanaleng area, which continues to hold its strategic position as an international cross border point. Dongphosy Forest is located approximately 3 km north from the bridge, which is under Vientiane Capital. The railway passes through the forest, and the Thanaleng station is located 3.5 km from the bridge.
    [Show full text]
  • Study on Border Crossing Practices in International Railway Transport
    STUDY ON BORDER CROSSING PRACTICES IN INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY TRANSPORT Bangkok, 2018 This study was prepared by Transport Division ESCAP. The draft of the study was prepared by Mr. Goran Andreev, Consultant, under the supervision of Mr. Sandeep Raj Jain, Economic Affairs Officer, Transport Facilitation and Logistics Section (TFLS), Transport Division. Overall guidance was provided by Mr. Li Yuwei, Director, Transport Division. The study extensively benefited from the visits made by the ESCAP study team to several border crossings (in chronological order): Sukhbaatar (Mongolia), Dong Dang (Viet Nam), Padang Besar (Malaysia), Sarkhas (Islamic Republic of Iran), Rezekne (Latvia). The assistance provided by the railways, customs and other authorities at these border crossings, their officers and staff for the study is duly appreciated. Acknowledgments are also extended to the representatives of Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF) and Organisation for Co- operation between Railways (OSJD), for their constructive comments on the draft Study and the contribution in providing valuable inputs on the publication. The views expressed in this guide are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations Secretariat. The opinions, figures and estimates set forth in this guide are the responsibility of the authors, and should not necessarily be considered as reflecting the views or carrying the endorsement of the United Nations. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this study do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
    [Show full text]
  • Nong Khai Nong Khai Nong Khai 3 Mekong River
    Nong Khai Nong Khai Nong Khai 3 Mekong River 4 Nong Khai 4 CONTENTS HOW TO GET THERE 7 ATTRACTIONS 9 Amphoe Mueang Nong khai 9 Amphoe Tha Bo 16 Amphoe Si Chiang Mai 17 Amphoe Sangkhom 18 Amphoe Phon Phisai 22 Amphoe Rattanawapi 23 EVENTS AND FESTIVALS 25 LOCAL PRODUCTS 25 SOUVENIR SHOPS 26 SUGGESTED ITINERARY 26 FACILITIES 27 Accommodations 27 Restaurants 30 USEFUL CALLS 31 Nong Khai 5 5 Wat Aranyabanpot Nong Khai 6 Thai Term Glossary a rebellion. King Rama III appointed Chao Phraya Amphoe: District Ratchathewi to lead an army to attack Vientiane. Ban: Village The army won with the important forces Hat: Beach supported by Thao Suwothanma (Bunma), Khuean: Dam the ruler of Yasothon, and Phraya Chiangsa. Maenam: River The king, therefore, promoted Thao Suwo to Mueang: Town or City be the ruler of a large town to be established Phrathat: Pagoda, Stupa on the right bank of the Mekong River. The Prang: Corn-shaped tower or sanctuary location of Ban Phai was chosen for the town SAO: Subdistrict Administrative Organization called Nong Khai, which was named after a very Soi: Alley large pond to the west. Song Thaeo: Pick-up trucks but with a roof Nong Khai is 615 kilometres from Bangkok, over the back covering an area of around 7,332 square Talat: Market kilometres. This province has the longest Tambon: Subdistrict distance along the Mekong River; measuring Tham: Cave 320 kilometres. The area is suitable for Tuk-Tuks: Three-wheeled motorized taxis agriculture and freshwater fishery. It is also Ubosot or Bot: Ordination hall in a temple a major tourist attraction where visitors can Wihan: Image hall in a temple easily cross the border into Laos.
    [Show full text]
  • Marketing Department State Railway of Thailand Thailand and Neighboring Countries
    Marketing Department State Railway of Thailand Thailand and Neighboring Countries The Kingdom of Thailand is a country at the center of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Myanmar and Lao PDR, to the east by Lao PDR and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and the west to the Andaman Sea. Thailand has the potential to connect to four neighboring countries. Two of which have been in operations, namely, Malaysia and Lao PDR. 2 Thailand – Malaysia Two connecting points between Thailand and Malaysia are at Padang Besar border on the west coast and at Sungai Golok border on the east coast. Trains Hat Yai between Thailand and Malaysia are now using Padang Besar as a Padang Besar joint station for Customs, Sungai Golok Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) procedures which serves four international passenger trains daily and freight trains on a regular basis. Unfortunately, at the moment, no train services is operating via Sungai Golok joint station. Padang Besar Station 3 Thailand – Malaysia at Padang Besar 4 Thailand – Malaysia at Padang Besar 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1. Landbridge train crossing the border 2. SRT locomotive waiting to haul Langkawi Express to Hat Yai 3. CIQ at Padang Besar station 4. Langkawi Express northbound from KL to Hat Yai 5. International passengers waiting for the train 6. Train no.35 from Bangkok arriving at Butterworth station 5 Thailand – Lao PDR at Thanaleng Thailand’s railway has connected to Lao PDR at Thanaleng station since March 2009. For the time being, four international passenger trains daily are in service.
    [Show full text]
  • Asian Highway Handbook United Nations
    ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC ASIAN HIGHWAY HANDBOOK UNITED NATIONS New York, 2003 ST/ESCAP/2303 The Asian Highway Handbook was prepared under the direction of the Transport and Tourism Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. The team of staff members of the Transport and Tourism Division who prepared the Handbook comprised: Fuyo Jenny Yamamoto, Tetsuo Miyairi, Madan B. Regmi, John R. Moon and Barry Cable. Inputs for the tourism- related parts were provided by an external consultant: Imtiaz Muqbil. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. This publication has been issued without formal editing. CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION TO THE ASIAN HIGHWAY………………. 1 1. Concept of the Asian Highway Network……………………………… 1 2. Identifying the Network………………………………………………. 2 3. Current status of the Asian Highway………………………………….. 3 4. Formalization of the Asian Highway Network……………………….. 7 5. Promotion of the Asian Highway……………………………………... 9 6. A Vision of the Future………………………………………………… 10 II. ASIAN HIGHWAY ROUTES IN MEMBER COUNTRIES…... 16 1. Afghanistan……………………………………………………………. 16 2. Armenia……………………………………………………………….. 19 3. Azerbaijan……………………………………………………………... 21 4. Bangladesh……………………………………………………………. 23 5. Bhutan…………………………………………………………………. 27 6. Cambodia……………………………………………………………… 29 7. China…………………………………………………………………... 32 8. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea……………………………… 36 9. Georgia………………………………………………………………... 38 10. India…………………………………………………………………… 41 11. Indonesia………………………………………………………………. 45 12. Islamic Republic of Iran………………………………………………. 49 13 Japan…………………………………………………………………..
    [Show full text]
  • Latest Outlook of the ASEAN Rail Projects and Its Way to Sustainable Urban Development
    Parallel Session 6 – Mobility, Accessibility & Door-to-Door solutions Latest Outlook of the ASEAN Rail Projects and its Way to Sustainable Urban Development Milko P. Papazoff UIC ASEAN Representative Tehran, Iran, 12th November 2019 Latest Outlook of the ASEAN Rail Projects and its Way to Sustainable Urban Development SUMMARY 1- UIC ASIA PACIFIC & UIC ASEAN : Introduction 2- ASEAN Railways Projects (2019) 3- Future Railway Stations of ASEAN : Example of Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok, Thailand 2 Introduction UIC ASIA PACIFIC : 44 Members Including 9 in ASEAN 245 in 2019 3 4 UIC MEMBERS SITUATION in ASEAN (October 2019) 5 UIC Members : Next UIC Members : MALAYSIA SINGAPORE APAD MALAYSIA MALAYSIA, MYANMAR MALAYSIA CAMBODIA, LAOS VIETNAM PHILIPPINES, VIETNAM INDONESIA Potential UIC Members : INDONESIA INDONESIA SINGAPORE INDONESIA PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES MALAYSIA THAILAND VIETNAM CAMBODIA, THAILAND ASEAN Etc… October 2019 ASEAN RAILWAY PROJECTS 2019 ASEAN CAMBODIA : Main lines rehabilitation and further follow up on closing the SKRL Cambodian missing links. Main challenge : missing link to go to Vietnam (257 km to be built). INDONESIA : National Railway Master Plan. Sumatra and Jawa lines rehabilitation and modernization (double tracking and electrification), new lines in Sulawesi, Kalimantan and Papua, HSR lines in Jawa : Jakarta-Bandung under construction and Jakarta-Surabaya under PFS, new urban lines in Jakarta (MRT, Inner LRT and outer LRT) and major cities (Bandung, Surabaya, Medan, Palembang, Semarang, Makassar, etc.), as well as in Bali. LAOS : China-Laos Railway line under construction (standard gauge, to link Kunming to Vientiane, 414 km from the Chinese border to the Lao capital city), expected to be in operation by 2022.
    [Show full text]
  • Tourism: Services Industry Is Growing Rapidly
    Content Page 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Objectives 1 1.3 Operational Framework 2 1.4 Information for Analysis and Evaluation 3 1.4.1 Policy Statement on International Relations 3 1.4.2 Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency 3 (Public Organization) 1.4.3 International Cooperation Framework 3 1.4.4 Related Information of Neighbouring Countries in Project Area 6 1) Republic of the Union of Myanmar 6 2) Lao People’s Democratic Republic 10 1.4.5 Field Observation Data and Interview 14 1.4.6 Background Information of Project 15 2 Analysis and Evaluation Result of the Project 19 2.1 Mae Sot/Myawaddy-Thin Gan Nyi Naung/Dawna Range Road Construction Project 19 2.2 Railway Construction from Friendship Bridge to Ban Thanaleng 27 2.3 Wattay International Airport Improvement Project 35 2.4 The Construction of Drainage System in Vientiane Capital City 42 3 Overall Conclusion of Evaluation Result 48 3.1 Lesson Learnt 48 3.2 Recommendation and Suggestion 48 3.3 Strategies for Cooperation with Neighbouring Countries of Thailand 49 Abbreviation Afghanistan Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Bangladesh People’s Republic of Bangladesh Bhutan Kingdom of Bhutan Brunei Brunei Darussalam Cambodia Kingdom of Cambodia China People’s Republic of China India Republic of India Indonesia Republic of Indonesia Iraq Republic of Iraq Iran Islamic Republic of Iran Lao PDR Lao People’s Democratic Republic Myanmar Republic of the Union of Myanmar Napal Federal Democratic Republic of Napal Pakistan Islamic Republic of Pakistan Philippines
    [Show full text]
  • Thailand: Improvement of Railway Passenger Services (Financed by the Government of France)
    Technical Assistance Consultant’s Report Project Number: TA-8183 THA April 2014 Thailand: Improvement of Railway Passenger Services (Financed by the Government of France) Final Report Prepared by PADECO Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan For Ministry of Finance, Thailand Ministry of Transport, Thailand State Railway of Thailand This consultant’s report does not necessarily reflect the views of ADB or the Government concerned, and ADB and the Government cannot be held liable for its contents. Capacity Development Technical Assistance TA–8183 (THA): Improvement of Passenger Railway Services TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................................I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................... E-1 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1 2. STRATEGY FRAMEWORK FOR SRT PASSENGER SERVICES .................................. 5 2.1 Current Situation: SRTs Circle of Decline ............................................................ 5 2.2 Breaking SRTs Circle of Decline ......................................................................... 6 2.2.1 Investments to Renew the Network, Rolling Stock and Equipment ............ 7 2.2.2 Safety – A Priority .................................................................................... 10 2.2.3 Rebuilding the Passenger Business ........................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Transborder Environmental Management in the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) 163 Project Thavivongse Sriburi 175 13
    TRANSBORDER ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CIAS Discussion Paper No.4 Wil de Jong (editor) Center for Integrated Area Studies, Kyoto University Kyoto, Japan 2008 Cias Discussion Paper No. 4 © CENTER FOR INTEGRATED AREA STUDIES, KYOTO UNIVERSITY Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan TEL: +81-75-753-9603 FAX: +81-75-753-9602 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.cias.kyoto-u.ac.jp March, 2008 The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessary represent the point of view of the Center for Integrated Area Studies, Kyoto University. The chapters in this publication present the opinion of the authors and not of the editor. The total or partial reproduction of this publication, by any means is prohibited without the explicit written authorization of the Center for Integrated Area Studies, Kyoto University. This publication can be cited, providing due credit is given to the authors, editor and publishing organization. Table of Content Part One. Transborder Marine and River Resources Management 1. The Efforts of ICCAT to Combat IUU Fishing: Japan’s Push and Taiwan’s Response in 11 Conserving and Managing Tuna Resources Yann-huei Song 2. GMS Cooperation in Hydropower Development and Power Interconnection: Potentials, 33 Progresses and Challenges Lei Zhuning 3. The Role of Institutional Capacity in Enabling Climate Change Adaptation: The Case of the 49 Guadiana River Basin D. McEvoy, F. Cots, K. Lonsdale, J. David Tabara & S.Werners 4. Fighting Floods or Living with Floods? Striving for Coherence in Multiple Strategies of 61 Flood Risk Management in European River Basins Denyse J.
    [Show full text]
  • The MRC Basin Development Plan Regional Sector Overviews
    The MRC Basin Development Plan Regional Sector Overviews BDP Library Volume 14 November 2002 Revised September 2005 Mekong River Commission BDP The MRC Basin Development Plan Regional sector overviews BDP Library Volume 14 November 2002, revised September 2005 Mekong River Commission Foreword The BDP Library was compiled towards the end of Phase 1 of the BDP Programme. It provides an overview of the BDP formulation, together with information about the planning process and its knowledge base, tools and routines. The library incorporates the essence of more than a hundred technical reports, working papers and other documents. It consists of 15 volumes: 1 The BDP planning process 2 Sub-area analysis and transboundary planning 3 Sub-area studies (including 13 sub – volumes) 4 Scenarios for strategic planning 5 Stakeholder participation 6 Data system and knowledge base 7 MRCS Decision Support Framework (DSF) and BDP applications 8 Economic valuation of water resources (RAM applications) 9 Social and environmental issues and assessments (SIA, SEA) 10 IWRM strategy for the Lower Mekong Basin 11 Monographs. March 2005 12 Project implementation and quality plan 13 National sector reviews 14 Regional sector overviews 15 Training The work was carried out jointly by MRC and the NMCs with comprehensive support and active participation by all MRC programmes and more than 200 national line agencies. Financial and technical support was kindly granted by Australia, Denmark, Japan, Sweden and Switzerland. The library has been produced for the purpose of the BDP and is intended for use within the BDP Programme. The work was done from 2002 to 2005, and some information may already have been superseded by new developments and new knowledge.
    [Show full text]
  • Belt and Road Initiative
    2021 BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE Dr. Tham Siew Yean; Dr. Ngeow Chow- Bing; Dr. Kuik Cheng-Chwee; Dr. Zhang Miao Research on the Belt and Road Initiative About this research The Chile Pacific Foundation is proud to present this research, which aims to provide highly valuable information, analysis and forward-looking views on one of the most significant international investment programs of our time, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The idea of diving into the BRI by commissioning a high-level research came up in mid-2020, after thoroughly discussing Chile’s international trade and foreign investment priorities with the Undersecretariat of Economic International Relations headed by the Vice Minister of Trade, Rodrigo Yáñez, and senior members of his team. The Foundation immediately began the process of searching for world-class experts in different countries to conduct the study, who were able to carry it out in record time and in close editorial coordination with the Foundation’s staff. This way, the Foundation wants to contribute to feeding the policymaking process as to the country’s most relevant next steps in terms of its international trade and overall international economic cooperation. At the Chile Pacific Foundation, we firmly believe international trade, foreign investment flows and economic integration have been at the core of the country’s successful development strategy over the last three decades. This is why we strive to help trade and economic authorities make the most of potential new opportunities by carrying out a diverse work agenda. We believe this is even more important in light of the tectonic changes to the world economy triggered by the ongoing pandemic, which have significantly changed many aspects of international trade as we used to understand it.
    [Show full text]
  • Lao People's Democratic Republic: Transport Sector
    ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK Independent Evaluation Department SECTOR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM EVALUATION FOR THE TRANSPORT SECTOR IN THE LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC In this electronic file, the report is followed by Management’s response and the Board of Directors’ Development Effectiveness Committee (DEC) Chair’s summary of a discussion of the report by DEC. Evaluation Study Reference Number: SAP: LAO 2010-44 Sector Assistance Program Evaluation October 2010 Lao People's Democratic Republic: Transport Sector Independent Evaluation Department ABBREVIATIONS ADB – Asian Development Bank ADF – Asian Development Fund ADTA – advisory technical assistance AusAID – Australian Agency for International Development CSP – country strategy and program DOR – Department of Roads DPWT – Department of Public Works and Transport EIRR – economic internal rate of return GMS – Greater Mekong Subregion IED – Independent Evaluation Department JICA – Japan International Cooperation Agency km – kilometer Lao PDR – Lao People’s Democratic Republic MCTPC – Ministry of Communications, Transport, Post, and Construction MPWT – Ministry of Public Works and Transport NSEDP – National Socioeconomic Development Plan OPEC – Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries PCR – project completion report PPER – project performance evaluation report PPTA – project preparatory technical assistance PRC – People’s Republic of China RMF – Road Maintenance Fund RRP – report and recommendation of the President SAPE – sector assistance program evaluation Sida – Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency SWAp – sector-wide approach TA – technical assistance UNDP – United Nations Development Programme NOTES (i) The fiscal year (FY) of the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is from 1 October to 30 September. FY before a calendar year denotes the year in which the fiscal year ends, e.g., FY2000 ends on 30 September 2000.
    [Show full text]