The Governments of Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam inaugurated the Dakta Ok (Se Kong, Lao PDR) – Nam Giang (Quang Nam, Viet Nam) border gates on 14 August 2021, which were upgraded to international status this year. This new international cross-border point is expected to further boost bilateral trade, investment, and tourism, and promote opportunities for cooperation between Viet Nam’s central key economic zone and Lao PDR’s south-central region, as well as Thailand’s southeast region. The new border gates aim to attract more international investors and support the development of the East-West Economic Corridor, contributing to the growth of the ASEAN Community.

The ADB-supported East West Economic Corridor links important commercial areas in the Greater Mekong Subregion, including Savannakhet-Dansavanh in Lao PDR and Lao Bao-Hue-Dong Ha-Da Nang in Viet Nam.