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.
The construction of the steel
suspension bridge was started last weekend from both ends. It is
designed to be 691.1 metres long, 8.5 metre wide and have a loading
capacity of 75 tonnes.
When operational, the
two-lane bridge will link Laos’ Louangnamtha province with the Shan
state of Myanmar, facilitating trade and promoting the two
neighbouring countries’ economic development. It will also help improve
security and rescue on Mekong River through joint activities.
The two countries agreed to build this bridge during Lao Prime
Minister Thongsing Thammavong’s visit to Myanmar in July 2011.-VNA