Dr Sonexay Siphandone (left) and Mr Tran Thanh Man pose for a photo in front of their national flags during Dr Sonexay’s official visit to Hanoi on Tuesday.

Laos calls for closer oversight of transport links with Vietnam

Laos has proposed closer parliamentary supervision of planned transport links with Vietnam, including an expressway, railway, and deepwater coastal port, as both countries’ legislatures strengthen cooperation.
President of Laos’ National Assembly, Dr Sonexay Siphandone, put forward the proposal during talks with the President of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Mr Tran Thanh Man, in Hanoi on Tuesday.
According to a report issued by the Lao National Assembly, Dr Sonexay proposed designating 2027 as a year for monitoring the development of strategic transport links between the two countries.
These include the construction of the Vientiane–Hanoi Expressway connecting the two capitals, a railway linking Vientiane to Vung Ang seaport in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province, and the expansion of Vung Ang Port.
The proposal reflects the growing importance of transport connectivity as Laos seeks to transform itself from a landlocked into a land-linked country, expand access to international markets, and strengthen its position as a regional trade and logistics hub.
Progress has already been made in the development of the proposed cross-border transport links.
 This year the government signed a concession agreement authorising construction of a 147-kilometre railway linking Thakhaek in Khammuan province and the Mu Gia border area in Vietnam.
This section is part of the planned 562-kilometre Laos-Vietnam railway, which will eventually connect Vientiane with the Vung Ang port on Vietnam’s central coast.
The railway, with an estimated construction cost of US$6.6 billion, is scheduled to begin operations in 2030, according to a government plan reported by Lao News Agency in March.
Meanwhile, construction of the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway between Borikhamxay province and the Vietnamese border is progressing.
This phase will extend for 203 kilometres from Pakxan district in Borikhamxay province to the Thanh Thuy border crossing in Vietnam.
A concession agreement was signed in October 2025, with construction scheduled for completion in 2029.
The Vung Ang port is another important part of the transport network. The port already handles cargo from Laos and provides access to international sea routes.
Beyond transport, Dr Sonexay also proposed expanding cooperation between the two national assemblies, particularly in modernising parliamentary operations.
He sought Vietnam’s experience in using artificial intelligence (AI) in legal work, advancing digital transformation within the National Assembly, and improving the management of administrative affairs.
The two sides also discussed increasing exchanges between provincial people’s assemblies in border areas and studying an update to their parliamentary cooperation agreement, which expires in 2027.
Dr Sonexay briefed his Vietnamese counterpart on Laos’ political situation and economic performance, saying the country had maintained political stability despite global economic challenges.
He reported economic growth of 4.8 percent during the first nine months of 2026 and outlined efforts to streamline government organisations at the central and provincial levels.
The two parliamentary leaders reviewed cooperation in recent years, including reciprocal visits by delegations, the preparation of a book documenting 50 years of relations between their national assemblies, and mutual support at regional and international parliamentary forums.
The meeting also looked ahead to 2027, when Laos and Vietnam will  celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations, which were established on September 5, 1962, and 50 years since the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation on July 18, 1977.
Dr Sonexay proposed joint activities to mark Laos-Vietnam Year of Solidarity and Friendship in 2027.
He also expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s longstanding support for Laos and invited Mr Tran Thanh Man to make an official visit to Vientiane at a mutually convenient time.
The Hanoi meeting formed part of Dr Sonexay’s official visit to Vietnam from November 2-5, his first overseas visit since becoming President of the National Assembly on October 5.
The visit highlights efforts by both countries to strengthen parliamentary ties and turn their close political relationship into practical economic and development outcomes.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 4, 2026)