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Laos, Myanmar build friendship bridge

Laos and Myanmar have kicked off the construction of a friendship bridge over Mekong River, the daily New Light of Myanmar reported on February 19.
Laos and Myanmar have kicked off the construction of a friendshipbridge over Mekong River, the daily New Light of Myanmar reportedon February 19.

The construction of the steelsuspension bridge was started last weekend from both ends. It isdesigned to be 691.1 metres long, 8.5 metre wide and have a loadingcapacity of 75 tonnes.

When operational, thetwo-lane bridge will link Laos’ Louangnamtha province with the Shanstate of Myanmar, facilitating trade and promoting the twoneighbouring countries’ economic development. It will also help improvesecurity and rescue on Mekong River through joint activities.

The two countries agreed to build this bridge during Lao PrimeMinister Thongsing Thammavong’s visit to Myanmar in July 2011.-VNA
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