VIENTIANE: Thanaleng Dry Port (TDP) - Laos’ leading integrated logistics centre - on Thursday (July 24) signed a strategic partnership agreement with iQury Tech Co., Ltd. in Vientiane to introduce a cutting-edge ‘Smart Customs’ system to modernise customs clearance services at the dry port to boost cross-border trade.
The partnership marks a significant step in transforming the Thanaleng Dry Port into a fully digitalised logistics hub within the Asean region by centralising and streamlining customs procedures through a single-window system.
Sisoulin Sokxay says ‘Smart Customs’ elevates and modernises customs service management towards efficiency that will maximise tariff collection.
This digital transformation aims to enhance the speed, transparency and efficiency of cross-border trade, in line with the government’s ambition to transform Laos into a regional land-linked economy.
The new ‘Smart Customs’ system will serve as a centralised digital platform that integrates all key stakeholders involved in import-export processes, from the Bank of the Lao PDR’s payment system to customs authorities, freight forwarders, transport operators and logistics service providers.
By reducing paperwork, automating clearance steps, and enabling real-time data sharing, the system will significantly cut processing times and reduce logistical bottlenecks.
TDP Managing Director Sakhone Philangam said the partnership marks an important milestone in the ongoing development of the multimodal dry port after five years of opening for service. This digital transformation will improve its services to meet international standards and position it as an important logistics connector in Asean.
“We intend to make the Thanaleng Dry Port and its associated Vientiane Logistics Park an integrated connector,” he said during the agreement signing ceremony.
The partnership aligns with the government’s broader effort to harness the ‘Smart Customs’ system to modernise customs procedures across Laos. In April, the Ministry of Finance signed an agreement with iQury Tech Co., Ltd. to develop and manage ‘Smart Customs’.
The President of iQury Tech Co., Ltd., Sisoulin Sokxay, said ‘Smart Customs’ elevates and modernises customs service management towards efficiency that will maximise tariff revenue collection in line with the government’s ultimate goal.
“It is a momentous opportunity to be a strategic partner with Thanaleng Dry Port Sole Co., Ltd.,” he said.
The initiative supports Laos’ broader digital economy strategy and aligns with Asean’s goal to facilitate seamless cross-border trade through technology-driven solutions.
Located in Vientiane near the first Laos-Thailand Mekong Friendship Bridge, Thanaleng Dry Port is strategically connected to the Laos-China Railway and Laos-Thailand Railway, making it a key node for regional freight movement.
With its single-window system and multimodal connectivity, TDP has become an increasingly important gateway for trade between China, Asean nations and beyond. - Vientiane Times/ANN
