Lang Son (VNA) – The expressway connecting Huu Nghi and Chi Lang border gates in the northern province of Lang Son was officially opened to traffic on December 19.
Speaking at the ceremony in Nhan Ly commune, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung stressed that the expressway, a nationally important project, plays a crucial role in socio-economic development, creating new momentum for national development in the 2026–2030 period.
He highlighted the ceremony as evidence of strong political will and proactive coordination from central to local authorities throughout the project implementation.
The minister urged Lang Son province, the investor, and relevant agencies to continue finalising project components to ensure efficient operation and maximise economic benefits.
Alongside transport development, he emphasised the need for the province to strengthen foreign relations, economic diplomacy, technology cooperation, cultural exchanges, and trade connectivity with Chinese localities, thereby leveraging its border gate advantages for sustainable development.
Vice Chairman of the Lang Son People’s Committee Doan Thanh Son affirmed that the expressway holds special significance for Lang Son and the northern midland and mountainous region. Once completed, it will help form a modern and comprehensive transport system linking with Dong Dang – Tra Linh Expressway, ensuring smooth strategic connectivity from the northern border to major economic centres nationwide, in line with the national expressway master plan for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050.
It is expected to become a vital link in the Nanning (China) – Lang Son – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh economic corridor, contributing to the trans-Asia economic route. It will help promote Lang Son’s role as an international trade gateway, boosting industry, commerce, services, logistics, tourism, and import – export activities while creating a strong driving force for the province’s fast and sustainable development.
The nearly-60km expressway traverses nine communes and wards, with total investment exceeding 11 trillion VND (418 million USD). To date, 50km have been completed, including 37km of the main route from Huu Nghi to Chi Lang and 13km of roads connecting to Tan Thanh and Coc Nam border gates. Units are striving for full completion by the second quarter of 2026.
The project is also expected to ease congestion on National Highway 1, reduce accidents, enhance logistics capacity, and create new development opportunities for both Lang Son and the wider region./.
