The project marks a concrete step toward stronger transport connectivity and expanded trade across the Mekong subregion, particularly among Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.

The ceremony was attended by Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse; Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen; representatives of the party and state leadership of Laos and Thailand; officials from relevant ministries and agencies; and local authorities from both sides of the border.

At the event, Lao and Thai PMs highlighted the significance of the bridge, describing it as a joint project between the governments of Laos and Thailand that reflects the aspirations of both governments and peoples, particularly residents of Bolikhamxay and Buengkan.

They said the bridge helps connect Laos to the region along the East-West Economic Corridor, allowing faster and more efficient transport, trade and tourism between the two countries, and bringing direct benefits to people in Laos and Thailand.

The Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No. 5 spans 1,350 metres across the Mekong River. Built with a modern cable-stayed design, it links Buengkan province in Thailand with Bolikhamxay province in Laos.

Bringing the bridge into operation has significantly shortened travel distances from Buengkan in northeastern Thailand, through Bolikhamxay in central Laos, to the Cau Treo border gate in Ha Tinh province of Vietnam, reducing the route to just over 200 kilometres from more than 350 kilometres previously. The route is now the shortest and most convenient corridor for transporting goods from Buengkan to Ha Tinh, strengthening regional economic links and facilitating cross-border trade.

The bridge will create new opportunities for economic development, trade, investment and tourism not only for the border provinces of Bolikhamxay and Buengkan, but also for the broader Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), which includes Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China’s Yunnan and Guangxi provinces.

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No. 5 continues a series of transport infrastructure cooperation projects between Laos and Thailand, following four bridges already in operation: Vientiane-Nong Khai (Bridge No. 1), Savannakhet-Mukdahan (Bridge No. 2), Khammouane-Nakhon Phanom (Bridge No. 3), and Huayxai-Chiang Khong (Bridge No. 4).

As a strategic link for both transport and external relations, the bridge is expected to further deepen traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Thailand, while enhancing connectivity with Vietnam and contributing to a more dynamic, sustainable and closely connected Mekong subregion.

Vietnam, China’s Shandong province seek stronger trade links

A trade-investment conference was held in Hanoi on September 25 to deepen the economic ties between Vietnam and China’s Shandong province.