Central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) like China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) play a key role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), contributing to major landmark projects and community-focused initiatives. Through the BRI, CGN not only promotes Chinese technology globally but also shares expertise in poverty alleviation, fostering closer relationships with partner nations.
Solar power meets agriculture: Agrivoltaics in Malaysia
In Kedah, Malaysia, CGN developed a 1-million-square-meter solar power plant that generates clean electricity for around 30,000 households. In the plant’s buffer zone, CGN launched a pilot agrivoltaics program by providing nearby villagers free land to grow pineapples beneath and around the solar panels — combining energy production with agriculture.
A fruitful pineapple harvest at CGN’s Kedah Solar Power Plant. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
A local farmer , 66, joined the program in 2019 through the local farmers’ association. He started with 35,000 pineapple plants on 30 acres, and after a successful harvest, expanded to over 60 acres. Based on local market prices, his estimated income per acre reaches nearly 12,000 yuan annually. The project has brought him both income and pride.
He now trains young farmers and veterans and plans to build a pineapple processing facility to turn his hometown into a pineapple export hub.
Empowering women through traditional weaving in Laos
In a village in Oudomxay Province, Laos, the “Shimmer Workshop” — a CGN-supported handicraft center — provides rural women with skills and income by reviving traditional weaving. The workshop is part of CGN’s “Shimmer Plan,” which integrates cultural preservation with local development.
A local woman weaves cotton fabrics. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
“This work helps me support my family, and now younger people are showing interest too,” said a 60-year-old local villager who has been weaving cotton fabrics since she was 17. With support from CGN in product marketing, storytelling, and packaging, traditional craftsmanship is finding new life in modern markets.
Clean energy vocational training for Laotian youth
To develop long-term talent for clean energy development in Laos, CGN launched the China–Southeast Asia Clean Energy Egret Class, a vocational education program combining technical training with Chinese language learning.
CGN launches the China–Southeast Asia Clean Energy Egret Class in Kunming, Yunnan Province. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
More than 50 Laotian students have completed the program, which covers subjects such as solar energy operations, equipment maintenance, emergency response, and workplace safety. The first two cohorts were trained in Kunming, China. Upon graduation, several students were hired by CGN to work on solar projects in northern Laos.
A third class will soon launch in Vientiane to train rural students locally during weekends and holidays. CGN also works with Souphanouvong University — northern Laos’ only public university — to train bilingual professionals in engineering and clean energy.
From solar panels and pineapples to weaving workshops and vocational education, CGN’s overseas projects showcases how targeted, practical efforts can support inclusive growth. This integrated approach — balancing infrastructure, livelihoods, and people-to-people exchange — reflects a Chinese model of responsible development along the Belt and Road.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
