Vietnam and Laos on June 25 launched a new pair of international border gates linking the central province of Quang Tri and the Lao southern province of Salavan.

Serving as one of the important gates connecting Vietnam and its neighbours, the upgrading of the La Lay (Quang Tri)-La Lay (Salavan) border gates to the international level is expected to help boosting cooperation and trade exchanges between the country’s central provinces and Lao, Thai and Cambodian localities along the East-West Economic Corridor.

It is also hoped to promote economic, investment, cultural and tourism ties among boundary provinces of Vietnam and Laos, contributing to improving socio-economic development and security-defence in border areas of both countries.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh noted that so far, eight pairs of international border gates, seven pairs of main gates and 16 pairs of auxiliary ones have been set up along the over 2,000 km shared border between the two countries, meeting the needs of peoples of both sides in exchanges and trade activities.

He said he believes that the La Lay border gate will open up new opportunities in trade, investment and tourism for localities of Vietnam and Laos as well as those in southeastern Thailand and northeastern Cambodia, helping attract more investment to the region and stepping up ASEAN connectivity towards the establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015.

On his part, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thonglun Sisulith reiterated that Vietnam and Laos have shared a traditional friendship and solidarity as neighbours.

The total 834 markers planted along the shared border so far have reflected the common wish of both countries to build a border of peace, friendship and prosperity, he said.

He also expressed belief that the upgrade of the La Lay border gates will benefit locals of both sides, raising two-way trade and making it easier for travelling, trade and tourism activities, and at the same time broaden the connectivity between the two provinces and the region.-VNA