Vietnam and Laos agree to build expressway linking both capitals

The expressway has a total length of 750 kilometres consisting of six lanes, permitting a maximum speed of 120 kilometres per hour. In the first stage, the motorway will have a total of four lanes.

Construction costs for the 446 kilometre road connecting Vientiane with Vinh is estimated to cost US$5.2 billion, while the 381 kilometre section on Lao territory will cost approximately US$4.48 billion.

In Vietnam the expressway from Hanoi to Ninh Binh has been completed while the Ninh Binh-Vinh section is scheduled for completion in 2020.

The two countries plan to seek investment for the expressway from Japanese official development assistance.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Transport Le Dinh Tho said building an expressway linking Hanoi and Vientiane was important for boosting bilateral relations and realising the transport connection agreement between the two countries.

The expressway is expected to stimulate economic development not only in Vietnam and Laos but also in other countries in the region.

The plan is expected to be submitted to the two governments in September.

Source: NDO