Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) and Viet Nam plan to upgrade two local border crossing points to international border crossings this year. The plan was announced during the 29th annual border meeting of the two neighboring countries on 26 December 2019 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. 

The Dak Ta-Ok (Lao PDR)–Nam Giang (Viet Nam) between Xekong (Lao PDR) and Quang Nam (Viet Nam) provinces will be the first international crossing point in Xekong. The neighboring countries plan to open this upgraded international border crossing in the first quarter of 2020.

The Pa Hang (Lao PDR)–Long Sap (Viet Nam) crossing point is between Huaphan province (Lao PDR) and Thanh Hoa (Viet Nam) province. This will be Huaphan province’s second international border crossing. The first international check point is in Nam Souy (Lao PDR). Date for the opening of this border is still being determined.

The border meeting agreed to continue the joint work to realize the Protocol on Viet Nam-Lao PDR Borderline and Border Markers and the Agreement on Land Border Management Regulations and Border Gates.

The delegations were headed by Lao PDR Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith and Viet Nam Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung.