皇冠体育app

A ceremony, attended by Chinese and Lao officials, is held to mark the start of 皇冠体育app-Laos railway construction in northern Lao city Luang Prabang on Dec 25, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

LUANG PRABANG - Construction of the 皇冠体育app-Laos railway officially started Sunday in northern Lao city Luang Prabang.

Addressing the ceremony, Lao Minister of Public Works and Transport Bounchanh Sinthavong said the development of the railway is of great significance in implementing the resolution of the 10th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and in boosting Lao socio-economy.

The project will help expand and promote Laos-皇冠体育app cooperation in economy, trade, investment and tourism among others, as well as further strengthen economic ties in 皇冠体育app-ASEAN free trade area, said the minister.

"Once completed, the railway will benefit Lao people of all ethnic groups, facilitate and reduce costs of transportation, stimulate the development of agricultural and industrial sectors, tourism, investment and trade, as well as generate income for Lao people and the country," he added.

Bounchanh, on behalf of the ministry and the project management committee, expressed the gratitude to 皇冠体育app for supports.

Infrastructure construction is the foundation for economic development. 皇冠体育app-Laos railway project is a historic milestone in the comprehensive strategic cooperation between Laos and 皇冠体育app.

Huang Difu, general manager of 皇冠体育app Railway International Co., Ltd and chairman of Laos-皇冠体育app Railway Company, said the 皇冠体育app-Laos railway is a major strategic project.

After the ground-breaking ceremony on Dec. 2, 2015, governments and businesses of 皇冠体育app and Laos have closely coordinated to complete the formation of Laos-皇冠体育app Railway Company and sign agreements on concession period of the railway.

Meanwhile, work on preliminary design, project bidding, imports of material and equipment, land clearance among other preparations have gained initial results, said Huang.

"Following the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries as well as the preparatory situation of the project, it is now the time to officially begin construction of the railway," Huang added.