VIENTIANE: The Thanaleng Dry Port is strengthening Laos’ role as a regional logistics hub by connecting trade routes across Asia and beyond, and supporting the country’s land-linked drive.
The role of the Thanaleng Dry Port in transforming regional trade and transport was highlighted during a recent visit by the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Leklai Sivilay, to the landmark logistics facility in Vientiane.
Leklai and his delegation toured the international cargo checkpoint administration building, the data centre, container yard, cargo transshipment warehouse, and the railway transfer point linking the 1.435-metre standard-gauge railway with the one-metre gauge railway.
Chanthone Sitthixay and Leklai Sivilay join the delegation and senior executives for a group photo at the Vientiane Logistics Park.
Discussions focused on the facility’s contribution to national economic growth, cross-border connectivity, and the long-term vision to make Laos a leading regional logistics gateway.
Built as part of the government’s strategy to turn Laos from landlocked to land-linked, the Thanaleng Dry Port has become one of the country’s most significant transport investments since opening for operation in late 2021.
The President of Thanaleng Dry Port Sole Co., Ltd. and Vientiane Logistics Park Co., Ltd., Chanthone Sitthixay, said the project reflects the government’s vision to capitalise on Laos’ strategic location at the heart of mainland South-East Asia.
“This connectivity strategy is considered one of the most important and best strategic concepts of the Party and government, by making use of the country’s geographic location as a driving force for the economy,” Chanthone said.
The facility has received international recognition for its scale and strategic importance. According to the developers, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) has ranked Thanaleng Dry Port as the second-largest dry port in the Asia-Pacific region.
“We have received considerable international recognition that the Lao government is moving in the right direction in transforming the country into a hub for freight transport and logistics services to drive the economy,” Mr Chanthone said.
More than 1,000 delegations from governments, development organisations and companies have visited the site over the past four years to study its integrated logistics model and explore opportunities for cooperation.
He said the facility serves as a key link between the Laos-China Railway, Thailand’s transport network, and the wider Association of Southeast Asian Nations region, creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and cross-border transport while supporting sustainable socio-economic growth. - Vientiane Times/ANN
