(KPL) The draft compensation rates were displayed at the Thongyai Village Office in Pakxan District for affected households and relevant stakeholders to review and provide feedback. The section covers 203.8 kilometres and forms part of a bilateral project initially agreed by the governments of Laos and Viet Nam in 2016.

The compensation plan covers affected land, buildings, crops and fruit trees, as well as potential impacts on traditional customs. Under the plan, the project developer must transfer full compensation payments directly to the bank accounts of eligible affected residents within 60 official working days after the relevant documents are approved and take effect.

The Pakxan–Thanh Thuy section will start at Thongyai Village in Pakxan District and pass through 28 villages in four districts—Pakxan, Bolikhan, Viengthong and Xaychamphone—before reaching the Laos-Vietnam border. It will also connect with National Road 13 South.

The project is expected to strengthen transport connectivity between Laos and Viet Nam while supporting trade, investment and tourism. Bolikhamxay serves as an important land corridor between Viet Nam and Thailand through Laos.

During a recent meeting between Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Vietnam's Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the project and turning it into a concrete development link.

On the Vietnamese side, construction is underway on the 60-kilometre Vung–Thanh Thuy expressway in Nghe An Province, connecting to the Thanh Thuy–Nam On International Border Gate. The US$910-million project began construction on May 18 and is scheduled for completion in 2029.

The Vietnamese section includes 51 bridges, 58 underpasses and the 485-metre Dai Hue mountain tunnel, forming an important part of efforts by the two countries to improve cross-border infrastructure and strengthen economic connectivity

KPL