The construction of a new highway connecting Vietnam and Laos is currently under consideration, and a feasibility study is underway. The proposed highway will connect Hanoi, Vietnam and Vientiane, Laos, and provide a better international transportation route for Southeast Asia.

The research was jointly conducted by the governments of Vietnam and Laos, and the government of Japan is also providing assistance. Many different alignments are being considered. One of the routes is 725 kilometers long and is estimated to cost more than 5.2 billion U.S. dollars. The other proposed route is 730 kilometers long, but at a higher cost, with an estimated cost of close to $9.3 billion.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport of Laos and the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam are jointly formulating these plans. At the same time, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is planning four key bridge projects. The four bridges are expected to cost nearly US$960 million and the project will be completed in 2026. Can Gio Bridge, Binh Quoi-Rach Chiec Bridge, Thu Thiem 4 Bridge and Binh Quoi Bridge will all be built under the PPP mode. The Ho Chi Minh City Transportation Bureau is planning this work. Editor/Xu Shengpeng