Lao PDR, Viet Nam to Open New International Border Crossing

The Governments of Lao PDR and Viet Nam will upgrade the Dakta-ok-Nam Giang border crossing between Sekong (Lao PDR) and Quang Nam (Viet Nam) provinces to international status, with the Sekong province opening its first international border crossing on 24 March. This upgrade will further ease the movement of goods and people between the two countries, and shorten the distance between Thailand and Viet Nam via the southern Lao PDR route by more than 100 kilometres. This will lead to reduced cost and time of travel, savings in vehicle operating costs, and increase cross-border trade and economic opportunities. All provinces of Lao PDR that share borders with Viet Nam have international border crossing points with the exception of Sekong, according to the Star. 

Lao PDR and Viet Nam have continued to trade through the Dakta-ok-Nam Giang border crossing amid the pandemic. Lao PDR mainly exports agricultural produce to Viet Nam, and imports construction equipment needed for infrastructure projects.  

A key strategic thrust of the GMS Transport Sector Strategy 2030 is facilitating cross-border transport. Lack of connectivity is a critical constraint on economic relations among the GMS countries. Completion of major transport projects in border areas helps increase economic opportunities.