The Belt and Road Initiative: Impacts on Agricultural Trade Efficiency in Southeast Asia—Evidence from Laos, Malaysia, and Thailand

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has emerged as a transformative force reshaping infrastructure and trade connectivity across Asia.This study assesses the impact of BRIfunded transport infrastructure projects on agricultural trade efficiency in Southeast Asia, focusing on key projects such as the China-Laos Railway and Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining trade flow analysis, policy document review, and semi-structured stakeholder interviews.The findings reveal that transport costs for agricultural products decrease by up to 50%, while transit times are halved, particularly benefiting perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables.Export volumes of staples such as rice and cassava increase substantially, with durian exports to China reaching USD 3 billion annually.Despite these achievements, challenges remain, including limited access for smallholder farmers, insufficient rural infrastructure, and logistical bottlenecks in cold-chain systems.By integrating recent data and insights, this study underscores the need for targeted policies, such as harmonised trade regulations and investments in rural connectivity, to maximise the equitable and sustainable benefits of BRI infrastructure for agricultural trade.