Dr Sthabandith Insisienmay (right) and Mr Buavieng Champaphanh shake hands after signing a Memorandum of Understanding last week concerning the construction of a port on the Mekong River in Luang Namtha province.

Govt approves study on construction of river port in Luang Namtha

A feasibility study on the construction of a port, logistics facilities, trade and service area, and agritourism site in Long district, Luang Namtha province is set to commence following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The Ministry of Planning and Investment and New Concept Consulting Company Limited last week signed the MOU.
The agreement was signed in Vientiane by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Dr Sthabandith Insisienmay and the President of New Concept Consulting Co., Ltd., Mr Buavieng Champaphanh.
If the project is approved, it will support the government’s policy and the strategic plan of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to develop the Mekong River into a waterway that meets international standards for commercial shipping on the Mekong and Lancang rivers, which pass through four countries in the northern reaches of the Mekong River, including China.
The aim of the project is to enable the river transportation of goods, tourists and other passengers and create a link with other modes of transport in Laos and the region.
A port on the Mekong in northen Laos would be major boost to Laos’ transport network, support national defence and security, and advance Laos’ economic and social development.
The proposed facility would be called the Xiengkok International Port. If the development goes ahead, it would enable the collection, transfer, packaging and storage of goods that depart or enter the port via National Roads 17A and 17B, the Laos-Myanmar Friendship Bridge that connects to the Nateuy Port in Luang Namtha province, and to the Thabok Port in Huayxai district, Bokeo province.
The project has the full support of the Lao government and would be built to international standards. The proposed construction site is in Xiengkok and 11 other villages in Long district and would cover a total area of 44,260,311 square metres.

By Times​ Reporters​
 (Latest Update February 20, 2024)