Illustrative photo. 

(KPL) The government is calling on people living along the route of the new Laos-China railway construction project to be patient and cooperative during construction.

This is to ensure success of the project which has just recently been given the go-ahead by the government.

The request was made by the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Lattanamany Khounnivong during his speech on 16 November.

He said that the construction of the Laos-China railway is a strategic cooperation project between Laos and China.  The feasibility study was completed and approved in 2012.

“Since being approved, the route has been studied and adjusted to be aligned with the landscape and national socio-economic circumstances.  The two governments signed a cooperation agreement to move forward with the project on 13 November,” Mr Lattanamany said.

Currently, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Laos-China railway construction project is being prepared.

This is an investment project that is expected to significantly contribute to economic growth and substantially benefit the people of Laos.

The groundbreaking ceremony is partly to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the founding of the Lao PDR and will be held in Vientiane soon.

The two countries earlier agreed on the route which will go from the Chinese border in Luang Namtha Province through the old capital of Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and on to Vientiane Capital linking with Thailand in Nong Khai Province, where another Chinese-backed line is expected to be built in Thailand.  

The 417-kilometre line in Laos is to be built by a joint venture in which the two governments will initially spend 40% of the US$6.8-billion. Of the total investment, the Lao government will hold 30% of the stake with the remainder being held by the Chinese side.      Construction is expected to begin next month and be completed in approximately five years.

KPL