“With a budget of over EUR 150.4 million (USD 172 million), the project is upgrading the road to ASEAN standards, according to official documents published on the European Union (EU)’s website.”
“The upgrade falls under the Southeast Asia Regional Economic Corridor and Connectivity project, funded by the World Bank and co-financed by the European Investment Bank, the EU, and the Lao government.”
“National Road 2, both West and East, forms part of Asian Highway 13 (AH13) and is one of ASEAN’s key infrastructure projects.”
“Once fully completed, the nearly 300-kilometer route will link the Thai border at Huai Kon-Nam Ngeun, in Nan Province, Thailand, through into Ngeun district in Xayabouly Province, ending at the Lao border with Vietnam at Panghok-Tay Trang in Phongsaly Province.”
“The road also cuts across the Laos-China Railway in Oudomxay Province, opening the door to future transport links connecting China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Officials say upgrading the route will help it fulfill its potential as a climate-resilient regional logistics corridor.”