Laos and Vietnam are intensifying efforts to enhance regional connectivity by accelerating the development of the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway project. The initiative aims to link the two countries by rail, strengthening trade routes and mutual economic ties. On October 23, during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Laos' President Thongloun Sisoulith and Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh agreed to expedite the Thakhaek-Vung Ang seaport rail link.

The leaders also committed to advancing the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway and aligning financial and energy policies, emphasizing the importance of strengthening Laos-Vietnam cooperation within regional frameworks. The Vientiane-Vung Ang railway project, part of a development plan spanning from 2021 to 2050, is a joint venture between Vietnam's Deo Ca Group JSC and Laos' Petroleum Trading Lao (PTL). Designed as a public-private partnership, the railway is expected to launch in early 2027.

Spanning 554.7 kilometers and costing approximately USD 6.3 billion, the railway will connect Laos to regional maritime trade routes, providing access to markets in China, South Korea, and Japan. This significant infrastructure project is anticipated to boost economic growth, enhance trade efficiency, and strengthen ties between Laos and Vietnam.

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