南南合作：跨境交通基础设施、区域一体化与经济发展——中老铁路经济效应评估

Abstract

Cross-border transportation infrastructure and the economic integration it brings play an important role in stimulating the economic vitality of underdeveloped countries. Based on nighttime light data, this paper uses 1 km² grid samples to examine the impact of the China-Laos Railway on Laos' economy and its mechanisms. The results show that the opening of the railway increased the light intensity in areas along the route by 0.45% compared with the control group. Mechanism tests show that South-South regional connectivity, on the one hand, stimulated trade vitality, creating favorable conditions for local products of developing countries to enter international markets and providing an important channel for obtaining advanced manufacturing products. On the other hand, the areas along the route experienced a significant population agglomeration effect, creating conditions for long-term development such as information dissemination, innovation, and deepening division of labor. In addition, the railway also enhanced risk buffering capacity and strengthened the resilience of the local economy. Compared with other international aid projects, the China-Laos Railway demonstrates unique advantages in promoting regional economic development. This paper provides important empirical support for infrastructure construction cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.