Northern localities in Laos have been urged to facilitate construction of a high-speed railway connecting Vientiane with the Laos-China border in Luang Namtha province.

During a recent press briefing, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Langsavad asked local authorities to accelerate border demarcation to facilitate the implementation of the 7 billion USD transportation project once approved by the Lao and Chinese Governments.

According to the Lao Government, the 417-kilometre railway will improve the nation’s regional and global integration though investment attraction and trade and tourism development.-VNA

It will also be expected to reduce cross-border transport costs and encourage domestic production.