Moscow: President of the Lao PDR Thongloun Sisoulith and Vietnamese counterpart Luong Cuong inaugurated Wharf No. 3 at the Lao – Viet International Port, located in the Vung Ang Economic Zone, Ky Anh township, central Vietnamese province of Ha Tinh.
According to Lao News Agency, the newly launched Wharf No. 3 features a 225-meter-long pier that can accommodate cargo vessels of up to 45,000 DWT, with a throughput capacity reaching up to 2.15 million tonnes annually. The wharf spans 43,928 square metres of land and 42,000 square metres of water surface, aimed at supporting socio-economic development in both Vietnam and Laos by addressing the growing demand for goods transportation.
With Wharf No. 3 added to Wharves No. 1 and No. 2, the port’s annual cargo throughput is anticipated to increase from 4.5 million tonnes to over 6.5 million tonnes. This enhancement is expected to boost investment in central Vietnam and improve services for imports, exports, and transshipment among Vietnam, Laos, and northeastern T
hailand.
The development highlights the successful collaboration between the Vietnamese and Lao Governments in realizing their commitments to building the three wharves. It provides Laos, a landlocked nation, with vital access to a seaport, facilitating global integration and promoting foreign trade via maritime routes.
During the ceremony, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Komasith highlighted the opening of Wharf No. 3 as a significant gesture of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. He expressed gratitude to the Vietnamese Government for increasing Lao Asia Telecom’s shareholding in the port from 20% to 60% and for training Lao port management staff, hoping for continued assistance from Vietnam.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung underscored the strategic importance of Wharf No. 3 in advancing bilateral relations and enhancing trade connectivity with global markets. He envisioned the Vung Ang Economic Zone evolving into a dynamic economic hub, benefiting both nations.
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Deputy Prime Minister called for ongoing investment in shared infrastructure to unlock the full potential of the Vung Ang Economic Zone, expressing optimism that the port will foster deeper economic, trade, and investment ties between the two countries and the region.
After the ceremony, State President Luong Cuong, along with Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, toured Wharf No. 3 and witnessed the arrival of its first cargo ship.
