(KPL) The 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge spanning the Mekong between Borikhamxay of Laos and Bungkan of Thailand has been completed by 69.10%, 0.08% faster than planned.

According to the Head of the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Construction Project Mr Laithong Phoummavong, the construction project aims to transform Borikhamxay into a regional trade hub and a transit route for the Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam. It can potentially increase the sub-region's tourism and attract more trade and investment to the Lao PDR.

The Government of the Lao PDR and Thailand’s Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) agreed on the bridge construction project in August 2019. NEDA loaned the Lao PDR 1.38 billion baht for the project.

The construction project includes (1) a bridge spanning the Mekong River, (2) an access road, and immigration facilities. All of them are expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Laos is the only nation bordering all the other five GMS member countries and crisscrossed by three regional economic corridors. It has huge potential to play a key role as a major trade thoroughfare both within the Mekong region and the ASEAN.

Source:
courtesy of KPL NEWS AGENCY

by KPL NEWS AGENCY

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