The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) began project preparations for a highway that extends from its capital Vientiane to Pakse city in the southern province of Champasak. The project is part of a highway that will connect Vientiane with Viet Nam’s capital Hanoi.

A report from Lao News Agency said the government chose Chinese and local companies to conduct feasibility studies on the following:

• a 164-kilometer road between Bolikhamxay province and the town of Thakhek  in Khammouane province;
• a 117-km road between Thakhek and Savannakhet province;
• a 128-km road between Savannakhet and Saravan province; and
• an 82-km road between Saravan and Champasak.

Pakse is the second most populous city in the country, next to Vientiane. It is where the Mekong and Xe Don rivers meet.

Read the full article at Lao News Agency and related article at Vientiane Times.