Large-scale development projects in Laos in good progress: official

The rollout of large-scale development projects is making good progress, with the opening of the China-Laos railway being the most noteworthy success, Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said.

Speaking at a meeting on Monday, Sonexay, also the Minister of Planning and Investment, said "The Thanaleng Dry Port and Vientiane Logistics Park is now officially open and feasibility studies are underway for the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, the Vientiane-Pakxan Expressway, Expressway No. 1, Luang Namtha-Huayxai Expressway, Mahanathy Sithandone Special Economic Zone, and other projects."

The meeting was organized to review national planning and investment for 2021 and set directions for 2022.

Good progress has also been made on the Smart City initiative in Luang Namtha and Oudomxay provinces as the government authorized a private company to design a smart city in the economic triangle area of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

The agreement made with the company will see a comprehensive design for the proposed development, with a focus on tourism and service provision at border crossings.

"To ensure that the Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2022 achieves the set targets, I call on participants of this meeting to address the obstacles in the implementation of national socio-economic development, legislation and technical documents that are critical for the achievement of expectations in the plan for 2022," Sonexay said.

"I have a lot of faith that the 2022 Socio-Economic Development Plan will achieve its target to create a favorable base for the implementation of the five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2021-2125, and the national agenda by addressing economic and financial difficulties."