Laos will make the construction of a national railway system, a goal in its socio-economic development plan for the next five years.
According to Achong Laomao, deputy head of the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment’s Investment Promotion Department, many foreign investors are interested in the scheme which would provide transportation link on land for goods from China, Thailand and Vietnam. Concurrently, the locals will benefit from services to tourists and businesses in transit.
Laos is looking for financing sources for the large-scale project and discussions with Chinese partners are scheduled for March, he added.
The governments of China and Vietnam have sponsored feasibility surveys for railway routes from north to south and from east to west Laos. A Malaysian company is studying the possible economic benefits of a railway line in Savannakhet province as well as the possibility of a railway connection between Vietnam and Laos.
At present, Laos only owns 3.5 km of railroad, running from Vientiane-Noongkhai Friendship bridge to Thanaleng station in the capital city of Vientiane./.
According to Achong Laomao, deputy head of the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment’s Investment Promotion Department, many foreign investors are interested in the scheme which would provide transportation link on land for goods from China, Thailand and Vietnam. Concurrently, the locals will benefit from services to tourists and businesses in transit.
Laos is looking for financing sources for the large-scale project and discussions with Chinese partners are scheduled for March, he added.
The governments of China and Vietnam have sponsored feasibility surveys for railway routes from north to south and from east to west Laos. A Malaysian company is studying the possible economic benefits of a railway line in Savannakhet province as well as the possibility of a railway connection between Vietnam and Laos.
At present, Laos only owns 3.5 km of railroad, running from Vientiane-Noongkhai Friendship bridge to Thanaleng station in the capital city of Vientiane./.
