
LONG LAO GAO, Laos — The pineapple that grows on the steep hills above the Mekong River is especially sweet, the red and orange chilies unusually spicy, and the spring onions and watercress retain the freshness of the mountain dew.
For years, getting this prized produce to market meant that someone had to carry a giant basket on a back-breaking, daylong trek down narrow mountain trails cutting through the jungle.
That is now changing, thanks in large part to China.
Why didn't we think of that?
You're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |