Laos moves to realize railway connection with Vietnam

At the signing ceremony of a concession agreement for the design, construction, capital mobilization, operation and maintenance of the Laos–Vietnam railway project in Vientiane on March 31

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Vientiane on March 31, Lao Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklay Sivilay affirmed that the railway project is a key national one that will help Laos realize Resolution No.04 of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party on building an independent and self-reliant economy. The project also contributes to the implementation of the country’s 10th five-year national socio-economic development plan, particularly the goal of strengthening regional and global integration to facilitate production, services, trade and investment.

The project will help transform Laos from a landlocked into a landlinked nation, with access to the sea through Vietnam’s Vung Ang port, and a future connection linking Vietnam, Laos, China and Europe via the Laos–China railway.

Sivilay stressed that in the future, the Laos–Vietnam railway will stand as a symbol of cooperation in a new era, further strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

As a strategic project backed by both governments and listed as a priority in bilateral cooperation, the Laos–Vietnam railway has a planned total length of around 562 km. The section from Thakhek to Mu Gia is set to span 147 km.

Source: VNA