China Communication Construction eyes rail projects in Asean countries

China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), a major player in China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, said they are looking at rail projects in Asean countries such as Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, in an effort to expand in trans-Asian rail routes.

In August, the state-run construction firm began construction on the US$11 billion East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in Malaysia -- China’s biggest single infrastructure project overseas. It is now setting its sights on a number of neighbouring countries in the region.

“We have potential rail projects in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia,” Wen Gang, vice president of CCCC, told the Post on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong.

The next project will be the extension of the East Coast Rail Link in Malaysia, Wen said, adding that planning and design work is expected to be completed within the year.

CCCC, in partnership with China Railway,is planning to bid for the high-speed rail project linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

“The final decision is up to the Malaysia and Singapore government,” he said.