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