Luang Prabang asks NA President to spur infrastructure projects

Leaders in Luang Prabang province have asked National Assembly President Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane to push for the construction of a bridge and two roads that had been promised but so far remain unbuilt.
The planned bridge would cross the Mekong River, linking Luang Prabang city to Chomphet district and Thailand to the west.
In addition, a 107km road had been planned from Luang Prabang to Dien Bien in Vietnam, as well as an 83km road linking Luang Prabang city to Phoukoud district in Xieng Khuang province.

The Governor of Luang Prabang province, Mr Khamkhan Chanthavisouk, told Dr Xaysomphone this week that these three projects were essential for the socio-economic development of the world heritage town.
Deputy Director of the Luang Prabang provincial Department of Planning and Investment, Mr Bounsom Thatsavong, told Vientiane Times on Wednesday that construction of the Mekong bridge was planned several years ago but no progress had been made so far.
“The bridge is part of the province’s efforts to extend the urban centre to Chomphet district and enable Luang Prabang to better connect with Xayaboury province and Thailand,” he said.
Meanwhile, the road connecting Luang Prabang to Dien Bien was planned 5-6 years ago to strengthen the link with Vietnam. 
Mr Bounsom said the road between Luang Prabang to Phoukoud district was a shortcut between Luang Prabang and Xieng Khuang province and would boost commerce and poverty reduction efforts in the northern region.
“In my opinion, the Mekong Bridge is the most important project for the development of Luang Prabang and the tourism industry. The bridge would be a boon, not only for tourists, but would also encourage businesses to invest in the province,” he added. 
The bridge and the two roads would give Luang Prabang stronger connections with Vietnam and Thailand and boost trade, investment and tourism in the province.
Luang Prabang province comprises 12 districts and has a population of over 400,000. The province relies mainly on tourism as a driver of economic growth and a generator of jobs.
Since it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang has caught the attention of overseas travellers, drawing several hundred thousand visitors.
During his visit, Dr Xaysomphone called on the province’s leadership to do more to address economic and financial difficulties and tackle drug trafficking.
He advised leaders to capitalise on the potential for tourism development and commercial production following the inauguration of the Laos-China Railway last year.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update February 10, 2022)