The Lao government has approved a feasibility study for an expressway running from the capital Vientiane through the provinces of Xaysomboun, Xiengkhouang, and Houaphanh, to the Namsoi border gate bordering Vietnam, to gradually upgrade the country’s national transportation infrastructure.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment and Phongsavanh Group for implementing the project was held on May 30 in Vientiane.
Representing Phongsavanh Group, Bouachanh Uonsavanh, Acting Director of the expressway project, highlighted the strategic significance of the expressway in boosting socio-economic development, trade, investment, services, and tourism between Vientiane and Lao northern provinces.
He noted that the project reflects the strong commitment of the Lao Party and Government to improving the country’s infrastructure and transport network, contributing to better living standards for the people and gradually overcoming current challenges.
Addressing the event, Lao Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Sathabandit Insixiengmay stated that the government places great importance on developing transportation routes to strengthen both inter-provincial and international connectivity—especially for underdeveloped areas.
Insixiengmay stressed that given the government's limited budget, encouraging the involvement of private sectors with financial potential and experience in infrastructure development is a suitable and sustainable direction. He added that the cooperation project with Phongsavanh Group is a concrete demonstration of this policy, contributing to realising Laos' long-term transport development strategy.
The Lao government and Phongsavanh Group have agreed to conduct a feasibility study and prepare a techno-economic report within 24 months./.
