The people of China and its South-East Asian neighbor Laos have enjoyed the benefits of amicable diplomatic and cultural relations, as well as healthy trade and exchange across a shared frontier for many aeons.
Now celebrating the 55th anniversary of official diplomatic relations between the two nation states, both countries and their citizens continue to enjoy increasing benefits of a partnership that continues to deepen and evolve continuously to the present.
An important part in the strengthening this relationship can be seen in the contribution to poverty reduction in Laos being made by Chinese companies, including joint venture partners.
For example, in the growing hydroelectric power generation sector in Laos, Chinese companies are contributing to poverty reduction efforts through various corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Remaining one of the world's least-developed countries, Laos occupies more than 236,000 square-km of land and is home to a population estimated at less than 6.5 million people.
Boasting limestone karst peaks and luxuriant tropical forests home to rare wildlife and splendid vistas, the country's highlands welcome greater numbers of international tourists each year.
However, amidst the scenes of natural beauty remain the hard realities of remoteness and logistics that have been barriers to vital services and the socio-economic development for less-well-off inhabitants.
The majority of the country's population continues to live in remote mountainous villages as they have done from generation to generation and due to a lack of infrastructure, especially poor access to transport and income from trade, many have lived their lives isolated from essential services and opportunities to escape structural poverty.
That is changing thanks to the power generated by Laos abundant water resources and the support and corporate expertise, vision and social responsibility provided by companies from China.
Among the countless examples of how such China-based support is benefitting some remote regions, is a small village located deep in Phoukoun district, in Luang Prabang province.
The village of Nanding is an isolated village located 4-hours by car from the central administration of Phoukhoun county, a 5-hour walk from the nearest town, and takes nine hours by car to get to from Vientiane.
There was no electricity in the village until four or five years ago when the corporation constructed the road and transmission after commissioning of the related hydropower station.
Now, poles help to carry wires transmitting electricity to each household, considered a welcome sign of modernity allowing many families to install refrigeration, satellite dishes, lights, as well as music players, amplifiers and speakers, which prove a great boon during family celebrations and village festivals.
