Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and President of Vietnam Luong Cuong visit Wharf No. 3 of Lao - Viet International Port on April 28. (Photo: VNA)

(KPL/VNA) President of the Lao PDR Thongloun Sisoulith joined his Vietnamese counterpart Luong Cuong in launching Wharf No. 3 of Lao - Viet International Port in the Vung Ang Economic Zone, Ky Anh township, central Vietnamese province of Ha Tinh, on April 28.

The Wharf No. 3 project features a 225-meter-long pier capable of accommodating cargo vessels of up to 45,000 DWT. With a throughput capacity of up to 2.15 million tonnes per year, the wharf covers 43,928 square metres of land and 42,000 square metres of water surface.

The launch of this facility is expected to help ensure infrastructure for socio-economic development in both Vietnam and Laos, meeting the increasing demand for goods transportation.

With the addition of Wharf No. 3 alongside Wharf No. 1 and No. 2, the port's annual cargo throughput will rise from 4.5 million tonnes to over 6.5 million tonnes. This project will also help enhance investment attractiveness in the central region of Vietnam and provide better services for imports, exports, and transshipment between Vietnam, Laos, and the northeast of Thailand.

The move also demonstrates the fruitful implementation of the Vietnamese and Lao Governments' commitments to the cooperation in developing the three wharves, helping Laos – a landlocked country – have a seaport to boost integration into the world and facilitate foreign trade by sea.

At the ceremony, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Komasith praised the opening of Wharf No. 3 as a valuable gift from Vietnam, and also an illustration of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties and the two States.

He thanked the Vietnamese Government for facilitating Lao Asia Telecom's increased shareholding in the port, from 20% to 60%, and for helping train the Lao port management staff. He expressed his hope that Laos will continue to benefit from Vietnam's expertise.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung emphasised that the launch of Wharf No. 3 marked a significant step in bilateral relations, strengthening the countries' trade and connectivity with international markets.

He noted that the development will transform the Vung Ang Economic Zone into a dynamic economic hub, benefiting both Vietnam and Laos. He also attributed the project's success to the collaboration between the two countries' Parties, States and peoples, along with local authorities, and investors.

The official called for continued investment in shared infrastructure to maximise the potential of the Vung Ang Economic Zone. He expressed confidence that the port will foster greater economic, trade, and investment partnerships between the two nations and the wider region.

Following the ceremony, State President Luong Cuong and Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith visited Wharf No. 3 and witnessed the arrival of the inaugural cargo ship.

KPL