VIENTIANE: The Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Phongsaly provincial authorities plan to expand Boun Neua Airport to accommodate larger aircraft, including ATR-72 and C909 planes, as part of a broader infrastructure development programme aimed at improving transport connectivity and stimulating economic growth in the northern province.
The planned airport expansion is among the key projects covered by a cooperation agreement signed between the ministry and the Phongsaly Provincial Administration, which also provides for improvements to roads, bridges, transport services, water supply and urban infrastructure.
The agreement aims to accelerate infrastructure development, improve public services and reduce poverty over the next five years, in line with Phongsaly's Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
Expanding Boun Neua Airport's capacity to accommodate larger aircraft could help strengthen the province's air connectivity and create new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.
Beyond the airport project, the ministry will support the construction, upgrading and maintenance of strategic roads and bridges, with particular emphasis on improving transport links between communities, tourist attractions and agricultural production areas.
Improved road connectivity is expected to make it easier for rural communities to access markets, essential public services and economic opportunities, while facilitating the movement of people and goods.
The cooperation will also cover the development of passenger and freight transport services within towns, between districts and provinces, and across international borders. Vehicle and driving management will also be strengthened.
In urban development, the two sides will work together on urban master plans, detailed development plans, environmental management and improved waste management systems to enhance living conditions.
Water supply and sanitation improvements will focus on expanding water supply systems in urban areas and development village clusters, improving household wastewater management and protecting existing water sources.
The agreement also provides for the allocation of land for future water treatment plant expansion, measures to protect riverbanks from erosion and studies into the potential for inland waterway transport.
In addition, the ministry will help strengthen the capacity of provincial public works and transport personnel and explore the possibility of assigning ministry officials to assist local authorities in implementing development projects.
The agreement was signed in Phongsaly province on October 28 by Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklai Sivilay and Secretary of the Phongsaly Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, Major General Somphone Mittaphone.
The cooperation falls under Prime Minister's Decision No. 27, which assigns ministries and equivalent organisations to support socio-economic development and poverty reduction in Vientiane and provinces across the country.
Phongsaly's 2026-2030 development plan prioritises building a more independent and self-reliant economy by capitalising on five key development potentials while pursuing balanced, green and sustainable growth.
The planned infrastructure improvements are intended to support these objectives by strengthening connectivity, improving essential services and creating better conditions for economic development. - Vientiane Times/ANN
