A representative from Bolikhamsai Province said the implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) released at the summit of leaders from the 9 provinces in Ha Tinh Province in September 2019 has gained positive results in many fields, especially transportation.
The construction of Friendship Bridge No.5 connecting Bolikhamsai with Bueng Kan Province of Thailand is now 39% complete. The construction of the international border gate connecting National Highway No.13 in the southern of Laos with Road No.8 to Vietnam has seen 55.7% of the volume completed.
In addition, the Lao side has been continuing to monitor the opening of the Bangkok-Nakhon Phanom-Thakhek-Ha Tinh traffic route.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport of Laos is preparing to invite relevant units from Thailand and Vietnam to a conference to unify the implementation process.
Regarding cooperation in the field of transportation, the provinces of Laos has carried out the projects to upgrade and build concrete roads and import-export areas at Namphao International Border Gate (Laos) connecting with Nong Khai Province (Thailand) as well as upgrade National Road No.212 to Bueng Kan Province in Thailand to create favourable conditions for freight transport.
In addition, Bolikhamsai Province has been cooperating with Ha Tinh Province to prepare a proposal to the two Governments for their consideration of the project of building a road connecting Namphao International Border Gate (Laos) and a part of Cau Treo International Border Gate (Vietnam) on the Lao side to address the issue of congestion at the border gates.
Nghe An Province (Vietnam) has also facilitated the implementation of a plan to construct an expressway along the Vientiane-Pakxane-Thanh Thuy-Hanoi route.
Quang Binh Province (Vietnam) and Khammouane Province (Laos) have agreed to allow the purchase and exchange of goods through the border gate.
