Vientiane: The Lao government has given the green light for a feasibility study on constructing an expressway that will connect the capital city, Vientiane, with Vietnam. This proposed expressway will traverse the provinces of Xaysomboun, Xiengkhouang, and Houaphanh, reaching the Namsoi border gate with Vietnam. The initiative aims to enhance the national transportation infrastructure.
According to Lao News Agency, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project was signed on May 30 in Vientiane between the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment and Phongsavanh Group. Bouachanh Uonsavanh, Acting Director of the expressway project from Phongsavanh Group, underscored the project’s strategic importance in promoting socio-economic development, trade, investment, services, and tourism between Vientiane and the northern provinces of Laos.
Bouachanh highlighted that the expressway project aligns with the Lao Party and Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and transport networks, ultimately aiming to enhance living standards and address current challenges.
Lao Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Sathabandit Insixiengmay, emphasized the government’s focus on developing transportation routes to bolster connectivity both within Laos and internationally, particularly in underdeveloped areas. Insixiengmay also pointed out that the government’s limited budget necessitates private sector involvement in infrastructure development. The collaboration with Phongsavanh Group exemplifies this approach and supports Laos’ long-term transport development strategy.
The agreement between the Lao government and Phongsavanh Group includes conducting a feasibility study and preparing a techno-economic report within a 24-month timeframe.