2025年10月9日星期四
2023年4月16日星期日
2022年10月31日星期一
2020年3月2日星期一
Luang Namtha to Become New Regional Transport Hub
Luang Namtha to Become New Regional Transport Hub
Laos’s northern province of Luang Namtha is poised to become a regional transport hub with investment in a dry port, leveraging its strategic location.
The province is expected to serve as a prime site for an international trade center for the country after the construction of a 414-km railway from China into Laos at the Boten border checkpoint is complete.
The USD 5.986 billion construction project, which began in 2015, is set for completion at the end of 2021.
The railway is part of the Kunming-Singapore Railway project, which connects Kunming with Singapore, passing through Laos, Thailand and Malaysia, Bounsong Keomanivong.
Luang Namtha would be part of the east-west economic corridor that runs from Myanmar to Vietnam and between Thailand and Vietnam, shortening travel time to just a few hours, said Bounsong Keomanivong, President of the Luang Namtha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as quoted by Vientiane Times.
“This will be suitable for investment to provide services for travelers from these countries,” he said.
In 2019, more than 743,000 people visited the province via Boten across the Lao-Chinese border while its economy grew by 8.8 percent, with its GDP per capita income reaching about USD 1,700.
~The Laotian Times~
Laos’s northern province of Luang Namtha is poised to become a regional transport hub with investment in a dry port, leveraging its strategic location.
The province is expected to serve as a prime site for an international trade center for the country after the construction of a 414-km railway from China into Laos at the Boten border checkpoint is complete.
The USD 5.986 billion construction project, which began in 2015, is set for completion at the end of 2021.
The railway is part of the Kunming-Singapore Railway project, which connects Kunming with Singapore, passing through Laos, Thailand and Malaysia, Bounsong Keomanivong.
Luang Namtha would be part of the east-west economic corridor that runs from Myanmar to Vietnam and between Thailand and Vietnam, shortening travel time to just a few hours, said Bounsong Keomanivong, President of the Luang Namtha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as quoted by Vientiane Times.
“This will be suitable for investment to provide services for travelers from these countries,” he said.
In 2019, more than 743,000 people visited the province via Boten across the Lao-Chinese border while its economy grew by 8.8 percent, with its GDP per capita income reaching about USD 1,700.
~The Laotian Times~
2017年9月5日星期二
Lao minister witnesses 'Chinese speed' in construction of China-Laos railway
Lao minister witnesses 'Chinese speed' in construction of China-Laos railway
Lao Minister of Public Works and Transport Bounchanh Sinthavong has witnessed "Chinese speed" at the construction of the China-Laos railway during a recent inspection visit.
The project management department of China Railway No 5 Group Co Ltd told Xinhua on Saturday that it has been the second visit by Bounchanh to the site of the construction.
During his visit last Wednesday, the minister learned about the construction situation of railway tunnels as well as the compensation for land acquisition and difficulties faced during the construction process.
Minister Bounchanh expressed his satisfaction over the quality, progress and safety of the project.
Talking with project manager Zhou Xiaoxia, the minister said: "At my first visit here, the section I construction site of China Railway No 5 Group Co Ltd, a cave was just being digged for tunnel construction.
But only five months after that, as many as 5,000 meters of the tunnel have been completed. I have witnessed the real 'Chinese speed,' while site management is also really good. You are so great!"
The minister said that the Lao government attaches great importance to the construction of the railway and will create favorable conditions for the construction so as to boost interconnectivity between the two countries.
The China-Laos railway has a total length of 414.332 kilometers with over 62.7 percent being bridges and tunnels, linking Mohan-Boten border gate in northern Laos and capital Vientiane.
Operating speed on the route is designed at 160 km per hour.
The construction of the project is scheduled for five years with an investment of some 40 billion Chinese yuan ($5.8 billion), 70 percent of which comes from Chinese investment and the rest from the Lao side.
The China-Laos railway is the first overseas route connecting with the railway system in China, using Chinese technology, equipment and investment.
~News courtesy of China Daily~
Lao Minister of Public Works and Transport Bounchanh Sinthavong has witnessed "Chinese speed" at the construction of the China-Laos railway during a recent inspection visit.
The project management department of China Railway No 5 Group Co Ltd told Xinhua on Saturday that it has been the second visit by Bounchanh to the site of the construction.
During his visit last Wednesday, the minister learned about the construction situation of railway tunnels as well as the compensation for land acquisition and difficulties faced during the construction process.
Minister Bounchanh expressed his satisfaction over the quality, progress and safety of the project.
Talking with project manager Zhou Xiaoxia, the minister said: "At my first visit here, the section I construction site of China Railway No 5 Group Co Ltd, a cave was just being digged for tunnel construction.
But only five months after that, as many as 5,000 meters of the tunnel have been completed. I have witnessed the real 'Chinese speed,' while site management is also really good. You are so great!"
The minister said that the Lao government attaches great importance to the construction of the railway and will create favorable conditions for the construction so as to boost interconnectivity between the two countries.
The China-Laos railway has a total length of 414.332 kilometers with over 62.7 percent being bridges and tunnels, linking Mohan-Boten border gate in northern Laos and capital Vientiane.
Operating speed on the route is designed at 160 km per hour.
The construction of the project is scheduled for five years with an investment of some 40 billion Chinese yuan ($5.8 billion), 70 percent of which comes from Chinese investment and the rest from the Lao side.
The China-Laos railway is the first overseas route connecting with the railway system in China, using Chinese technology, equipment and investment.
~News courtesy of China Daily~
2017年3月23日星期四
Lao-Thai railway section I ready for service
Lao-Thai railway section I ready for service
The Lao-Thai Railway Construction Project Phase II (Section I) is now completed, while Section II will begin operations at the end of this year.
The project handover ceremony was held yesterday between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) of Thailand.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Lattanamany Khounnivong, Thai Ambassador to Laos, Mr NoppadonTheppitak, senior officials from the ministry and NEDA along with local authorities from relevant sectors.
This section was financially supported with over 656 million baht (about 155.2 billion kip) by NEDA, of which 30 percent is a grant and 70 percent a low interest loan, the Lao Railway Department Director General, Dr Sompong Pholsena reported at the ceremony.
The project began in September, 2013 with a 24 month construction period undertaken by TEAM Consulting Engineering and Management Co., Ltd, (TEAM) in association with LTEC and TEAM Lao Co., Ltd and contractor Sermsanguan Construction Co., Ltd.
The section comprises a siding track at Thanalaeng Station, 5,800 m of railway mainline expansion from Thanalaeng station to a container yard, along with upgrading of the signalling and telecommunications system from analogue to digital allowing computer controls, he explained.
Also completed was a 38,000 square metre container yard and more than 2,000 m of concrete access roads, an over 5,000 square metre warehouse, three floors of administration offices, weight entry gate and other facilities, such as electrical system, water supply, fire prevention system and waste management facility.
The project also completed construction of the railway department building and employee dormitories in September, 2015, Dr Sompong said.
The facilities are important for socio-economic development especially the container yard as a logistic centre in Vientiane and to ease rail transport between Laos-Thailand via Laemsabang seaport and overseas.
This will reduce transport costs, improve safety and environmental management while giving entrepreneurs more choices to export and import their products.
Meanwhile, NEDA President Mr Newin Sinsiri noted the agency had supported millions of baht in financial and technical assistance for Laos through different projects.
This is one of the projects to boost close cooperation between the two governments of Laos and Thailand, he said. It is also to promote trading and investment as well as tourism between two countries in order to link with Asia and the region, Mr Newin added.
Section II, which comprises a 7.5km railway expansion from Thanalaeng station to Vientiane station at Khamsavath village and other facilities will begin at the end of this year.
This section will cost 994.7 million baht (about 235.6 billion kip), of which 30 percent is a grant and 70 percent a low interest loan from NEDA.
~News courtesy of Vientiane Times~
The Lao-Thai Railway Construction Project Phase II (Section I) is now completed, while Section II will begin operations at the end of this year.
The project handover ceremony was held yesterday between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) of Thailand.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Lattanamany Khounnivong, Thai Ambassador to Laos, Mr NoppadonTheppitak, senior officials from the ministry and NEDA along with local authorities from relevant sectors.
This section was financially supported with over 656 million baht (about 155.2 billion kip) by NEDA, of which 30 percent is a grant and 70 percent a low interest loan, the Lao Railway Department Director General, Dr Sompong Pholsena reported at the ceremony.
The project began in September, 2013 with a 24 month construction period undertaken by TEAM Consulting Engineering and Management Co., Ltd, (TEAM) in association with LTEC and TEAM Lao Co., Ltd and contractor Sermsanguan Construction Co., Ltd.
The section comprises a siding track at Thanalaeng Station, 5,800 m of railway mainline expansion from Thanalaeng station to a container yard, along with upgrading of the signalling and telecommunications system from analogue to digital allowing computer controls, he explained.
Also completed was a 38,000 square metre container yard and more than 2,000 m of concrete access roads, an over 5,000 square metre warehouse, three floors of administration offices, weight entry gate and other facilities, such as electrical system, water supply, fire prevention system and waste management facility.
The project also completed construction of the railway department building and employee dormitories in September, 2015, Dr Sompong said.
The facilities are important for socio-economic development especially the container yard as a logistic centre in Vientiane and to ease rail transport between Laos-Thailand via Laemsabang seaport and overseas.
This will reduce transport costs, improve safety and environmental management while giving entrepreneurs more choices to export and import their products.
Meanwhile, NEDA President Mr Newin Sinsiri noted the agency had supported millions of baht in financial and technical assistance for Laos through different projects.
This is one of the projects to boost close cooperation between the two governments of Laos and Thailand, he said. It is also to promote trading and investment as well as tourism between two countries in order to link with Asia and the region, Mr Newin added.
Section II, which comprises a 7.5km railway expansion from Thanalaeng station to Vientiane station at Khamsavath village and other facilities will begin at the end of this year.
This section will cost 994.7 million baht (about 235.6 billion kip), of which 30 percent is a grant and 70 percent a low interest loan from NEDA.
~News courtesy of Vientiane Times~
2015年7月29日星期三
昆明-曼谷-廉差邦铁路 拟2020年通车
昆明-曼谷-廉差邦铁路 拟2020年通车
针对中国昆明-曼谷-廉差邦火车铁路建设项目，交通部预测，该项目可望在2020年完成施工并启动服务，包括考虑将原来的昆明-曼谷公路运输线，改为昆明-曼谷-廉差邦线。
泰国交通部长巴金上将昨天（27日）与寮国公共工程与运输部长本占，主持召开泰国-寮国交通部长级会议。
巴金上将于会后表示，此次会议主要讨论两国基础设施建设互联互通问题，以及两国公路和铁路运输问题，是两国就此类问题召开的第2次会议。两国之间相互连通的铁路线将有两条，包括越南-寮国-泰国以及中国-寮国-泰国铁路线，尤其是从中国延伸出境的1.435米标准轨距铁路，从昆明连通寮国的铁路线，还有长达520公里的距离没有铺设铁路，再加上从寮国边境到永珍也有417公里的距离未建铁路，预计将于今年年底启动施工，以跟得上将于今年10月启动的泰-中双轨铁路项目进展。由此可以预估，玛达普-曼谷-昆明铁路线将于2020年竣工。
对于将连接铁路线的泰-寮新友谊大桥建设项目，该座新友谊大桥将与现有的泰-寮友谊大桥距离仅30米，泰寮双方将共同研究各自负责的境内区域，在泰-中铁路线启动运营后，将立即开放服务。
此外，巴金上将指出，还将更仔细地研究泰国-寮国-中国的公路运输路线，可能会将原订的昆明-曼谷路线，改为昆明-曼谷-廉差邦运输线，同时泰方还需要与寮国运输经营商进行协商，运输货物时必须经过泰国边境码头，预计双方将会在8-9月期间展开讨论，具体工作包括修订泰国、寮国的相关法律条例，因为两国法律范畴存在差异。对此，两国特别设立工作小组，共同研究两国法律修订方案。
~以上新闻转自世界日报~
针对中国昆明-曼谷-廉差邦火车铁路建设项目，交通部预测，该项目可望在2020年完成施工并启动服务，包括考虑将原来的昆明-曼谷公路运输线，改为昆明-曼谷-廉差邦线。
泰国交通部长巴金上将昨天（27日）与寮国公共工程与运输部长本占，主持召开泰国-寮国交通部长级会议。
巴金上将于会后表示，此次会议主要讨论两国基础设施建设互联互通问题，以及两国公路和铁路运输问题，是两国就此类问题召开的第2次会议。两国之间相互连通的铁路线将有两条，包括越南-寮国-泰国以及中国-寮国-泰国铁路线，尤其是从中国延伸出境的1.435米标准轨距铁路，从昆明连通寮国的铁路线，还有长达520公里的距离没有铺设铁路，再加上从寮国边境到永珍也有417公里的距离未建铁路，预计将于今年年底启动施工，以跟得上将于今年10月启动的泰-中双轨铁路项目进展。由此可以预估，玛达普-曼谷-昆明铁路线将于2020年竣工。
对于将连接铁路线的泰-寮新友谊大桥建设项目，该座新友谊大桥将与现有的泰-寮友谊大桥距离仅30米，泰寮双方将共同研究各自负责的境内区域，在泰-中铁路线启动运营后，将立即开放服务。
此外，巴金上将指出，还将更仔细地研究泰国-寮国-中国的公路运输路线，可能会将原订的昆明-曼谷路线，改为昆明-曼谷-廉差邦运输线，同时泰方还需要与寮国运输经营商进行协商，运输货物时必须经过泰国边境码头，预计双方将会在8-9月期间展开讨论，具体工作包括修订泰国、寮国的相关法律条例，因为两国法律范畴存在差异。对此，两国特别设立工作小组，共同研究两国法律修订方案。
~以上新闻转自世界日报~
2013年5月24日星期五
Thailand pushes for train project in Laos
Thailand pushes for train project in Laos
Thailand has offered to convene a meeting with Laos and China on the high-speed train project linking the three countries, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on Sunday.
The Thai and Lao ministers led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, fifth right, and Lao Premier Thongsing Thammavong, fourth right, shake hands during the joint cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai province on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Government House)
The proposal, tabled in talks between the Thai and Lao cabinets, underlines Thailand's concern about a delay to the project on the Lao side which could be a setback on the regional plan to build a railroad link.
Ms Yingluck said after meeting with Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and his cabinet ministers that the host had relayed the delay concern to Laos.
Thailand will build four high-speed train lines, one of them from Bangkok to Nong Khai province. It will be linked to a train route from southern China to Vientiane, the Lao capital. The first phase of the Nong Khai train will be laid to Nakhon Ratchasima province.
China has offered to build the train project in Laos but it is being delayed because of unsettled details about Chinese support.
Ms Yingluck did not go into details of the proposed meeting but deputy government spokesman Chalitrat Chandrubeksa said Transport Minister Chadchat Sittipunt would have a key role in arranging the meeting on the tracks and train carriages to be used for the project.
The two governments also agreed to tackle narcotics, bolster trade and investment on Roads 8 and 12 in Laos, fight human trafficking and speed up border demarcation.
The two roads in Laos are connected to Thailand via the Mekong River bridge in Nakhon Phanom province.
Thailand upgraded the Phudu crossing in Ban Khok district of Uttaradit province from a temporary to a permanent checkpoint on Sunday to coincide with the meeting of the cabinets, the Thai News Agency reported.
The checkpoint in the northern province links Thailand with Laos' Xayabouri province. About 100,000 tourists used the pass, and trade totalled about 250 million baht, a year when it was a temporary checkpoint open only on Fridays and Saturdays.
Uttaradit governor Chalermchai Fuengkhon predicted trade and tourism would jump after the checkpoint was allowed to operate every day after the opening ceremony at the border on Sunday.
~News courtesy of Bangkok Post~
Thailand has offered to convene a meeting with Laos and China on the high-speed train project linking the three countries, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on Sunday.
The Thai and Lao ministers led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, fifth right, and Lao Premier Thongsing Thammavong, fourth right, shake hands during the joint cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai province on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Government House)
The proposal, tabled in talks between the Thai and Lao cabinets, underlines Thailand's concern about a delay to the project on the Lao side which could be a setback on the regional plan to build a railroad link.
Ms Yingluck said after meeting with Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and his cabinet ministers that the host had relayed the delay concern to Laos.
Thailand will build four high-speed train lines, one of them from Bangkok to Nong Khai province. It will be linked to a train route from southern China to Vientiane, the Lao capital. The first phase of the Nong Khai train will be laid to Nakhon Ratchasima province.
China has offered to build the train project in Laos but it is being delayed because of unsettled details about Chinese support.
Ms Yingluck did not go into details of the proposed meeting but deputy government spokesman Chalitrat Chandrubeksa said Transport Minister Chadchat Sittipunt would have a key role in arranging the meeting on the tracks and train carriages to be used for the project.
The two governments also agreed to tackle narcotics, bolster trade and investment on Roads 8 and 12 in Laos, fight human trafficking and speed up border demarcation.
The two roads in Laos are connected to Thailand via the Mekong River bridge in Nakhon Phanom province.
Thailand upgraded the Phudu crossing in Ban Khok district of Uttaradit province from a temporary to a permanent checkpoint on Sunday to coincide with the meeting of the cabinets, the Thai News Agency reported.
The checkpoint in the northern province links Thailand with Laos' Xayabouri province. About 100,000 tourists used the pass, and trade totalled about 250 million baht, a year when it was a temporary checkpoint open only on Fridays and Saturdays.
Uttaradit governor Chalermchai Fuengkhon predicted trade and tourism would jump after the checkpoint was allowed to operate every day after the opening ceremony at the border on Sunday.
~News courtesy of Bangkok Post~
2013年5月22日星期三
High-speed rail network a high investment for Laos
Proposed high-speed rail network a high investment for Laos
High-speed railway lines connecting Thailand, Laos and China might soon become a reality after the Thai cabinet met with its Lao counterparts in Chiang Mai earlier this week.
The proposal would have a major impact on the region as there is currently only vehicle crossing from ASEAN countries into China.
Both governments are planning to spend billions on countrywide railroad infrastructure.
But in Laos, the plan will be nothing short of radical as the country's rail networks are practically non-existent.
The proposed massive rail projects will require loans totalling over half of the country's GDP, which was US$8.3 billion in 2011, according to the World Bank.
Chadchart Sittipunt, Thailand's transport minister, said: "I think the key message for Laos will be how to create value for this high-speed train for Laos. I think we need to talk because I think there will be a lot of investment for Laos. But how will they create value from this big investment? If they can do it, it will be a good connection between Kunming (China), Laos, and Thailand."
Rail links are not a surefire benefit to Laos' economy.
Nevertheless, Vientiane's ambition to transform the landlocked country into an integrated regional player is gaining support from its neighbours.
Last year the Thai government agreed to finance a US$55 million project to build a short railway line bridging Laos' capital with Thailand's Nong Khai province, while it plans its own railway overhaul to be completed in 2020 at a cost of US$69.6 billion.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
High-speed railway lines connecting Thailand, Laos and China might soon become a reality after the Thai cabinet met with its Lao counterparts in Chiang Mai earlier this week.
The proposal would have a major impact on the region as there is currently only vehicle crossing from ASEAN countries into China.
Both governments are planning to spend billions on countrywide railroad infrastructure.
But in Laos, the plan will be nothing short of radical as the country's rail networks are practically non-existent.
The proposed massive rail projects will require loans totalling over half of the country's GDP, which was US$8.3 billion in 2011, according to the World Bank.
Chadchart Sittipunt, Thailand's transport minister, said: "I think the key message for Laos will be how to create value for this high-speed train for Laos. I think we need to talk because I think there will be a lot of investment for Laos. But how will they create value from this big investment? If they can do it, it will be a good connection between Kunming (China), Laos, and Thailand."
Rail links are not a surefire benefit to Laos' economy.
Nevertheless, Vientiane's ambition to transform the landlocked country into an integrated regional player is gaining support from its neighbours.
Last year the Thai government agreed to finance a US$55 million project to build a short railway line bridging Laos' capital with Thailand's Nong Khai province, while it plans its own railway overhaul to be completed in 2020 at a cost of US$69.6 billion.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年11月16日星期五
Work to start on Laos-China railway
Work to start on Laos-China railway in 2013: media
File picture. Laotian boys ride on a motorcycle with a sidecar attached in Luang Prabang, Laos. (AFP/Roslan Rahman)
BANGKOK: Construction of a $7 billion train link between Laos and China will go ahead next year after a Chinese bank threw a financial lifeline to the stalled project, state media reported Friday.
The two countries had initially agreed to jointly fund the line, which will run from the Chinese border to Vientiane, but Beijing pulled out over reported concerns about profitability.
Chinese state-run EXIM bank has now stepped in with a loan offer for Laos, an official from the public works and transport ministry told the Vientiane Times, adding the pair are "now ironing out the details" of the loan.
Another official at the ministry confirmed to AFP that discussions on the details of the loan were underway along with consultations over the route.
"The work has not started yet, but we plan to finish it in five years," said the official, who did not want to be named.
A Chinese firm will carry out the construction, the Vientiane Times report said, describing the project as the biggest ever infrastructure scheme undertaken by Laos.
It will be a link in a vast network set to connect the southwestern Chinese city of Kunming with Singapore.
Landlocked Laos, one of Asia's poorest countries, has no railway apart from a short stretch of track near the Thai border.
Under current plans the new Boten-Vientiane line will be 420 kilometres (260 miles) long and require 76 tunnels and around 150 bridges to be built as it carves through Laos, the report said.
Passenger trains, which will run at up to 160 kilometres an hour, will stop at 31 stations once work is complete, it added.
The scheme has stirred controversy in Laos with the proposed route likely to force thousands of people to move from their homes.
Construction on a separate $5 billion 220-kilometre line linking southern Laos and Vietnam is set to start in January, the Vientiane Times reported Thursday, after financing from a Malaysian investor was secured.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
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