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VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): A new railway project between Laos and Vietnam is ready to kick off. The train will establish a direct link between the countries and aim to become a primary source of economic and infrastructure development in the region.
The project is part of the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway development plan for 2021–2030, with a vision towards 2050. It is a joint venture between Vietnam’s Deo Ca Group JSC and Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PTL) that will be developed under the form of a public-private partnership, Vietnam Plus reported.
Covering a length of 103 kilometres from Vung Ang-Tan Ap-Mu Gia, the first section of the railway is estimated to cost nearly VND 27.5 trillion (approximately USD 1.12 billion).
According to Vietnamese media sources, the joint venture must conduct a pre-feasibility study and submit a report on their findings in accordance with national and regional laws and planning schemes before starting work on the project.
Chanthone Sitthixay, President of PTL, stated at the signing of a joint venture in late February that the railway has the potential to greatly benefit the economies and societies of both Laos and Vietnam, as well as to strengthen the already close ties between the two countries.
The project is expected to be operational in early 2027.
As part of the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway, this project will play a vital role in connecting Laos to regional maritime trade, enhancing economic ties with Vietnam, and targeting markets in China, South Korea, and Japan.
The Vientiane-Vung Ang railway, a 554.7-kilometer project, will also be built under a public-private partnership for a total investment of VND 149.55 trillion (USD 6.3 billion).
Once completed, the line will connect Vientiane Capital to Thakhaek district in Khammouane province, then continue to the Vietnamese border and on to Vung Ang seaport in Vietnam’s central coast of Ha Tinh province. - Laotian Times
