Despite the huge opportunities presented by the Laos-China railway and Vientiane-Boten expressway, Laos needs to address the challenges they pose in order to reap the full benefits they offer.

COMPENSATION has now been paid to some Lao villagers affected by the planned construction of the Vientiane-Boten Expressway to link the capital with the northern province of Luang Namtha, which shares a border with China.