Laos, China forge partnership to facilitate cross-border transport, trade
Viengkhone Sitthixay explains about the Thanaleng Dry Port and Vientiane Logistics Park to Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune (left) duing his visit to the exhibited booth.
KUNMING, (China): Laos's Thanaleng Dry Port (TDP) has established partnerships with key Chinese firms to advance cross-border cargo transport and regional trade connectivity.
At the recent 9th China-South Asia Exposition held in Kunming, southwestern China's Yunnan province, the Thanaleng Dry Port Sole Co., Ltd. signed the Strategic Cross-Border Partnership with Anning Dry Port International Holding Co., Ltd.
The partnership aims to enhance logistics efficiency between Laos and China by streamlining customs processes, sharing warehouse resources, and standardising documentation.
The deal will leverage TDP's role as a key logistics hub linking China with Southeast Asia, while also tapping into the strategic convergence of major regional railways at Anning Dry Port — including links to Vietnam and Myanmar.
'The unique characteristics of the harbor position it as a key hub for China's national transport network, enabling the Thanaleng Dry Port to diversify and enhance its service,' TDP said in a statement.
Thanaleng Dry Port – the single-window customs clearance point for freight transport on the Laos-China railway - also signed an additional cooperation deal with Lao Financial Holding Sole., Ltd., China Intelligent Electric Vehicles Co., Ltd., and Yunnan Maimiao Automobile Service Co., Ltd.
The Cross-Border Automotive Industry and Financial Services Full-chain Platform and Bonded Warehouse Cooperation agreement aims to support and promote win-win cooperation by utilising the bonded warehouses of the Thanaleng Dry Port as a primary service to jointly establish a platform for cross-border trade and integrated investment services.
These include the pre-tax import of goods + bonded warehouse services + pre-tax payment sales + sales with installment payment options + after-sales services in order to help elevate the Lao automotive industry and develop cross-border trade in the region.
The partnerships are part of the Lao dry port's broader strategy to engage with regional and global players to advance cross-border transport and position itself as a key logistics connector linking Southeast Asia to China and even extending to Europe.
During the 9th China-South Asia Exposition, the Thanaleng Dry Port - the converging point between the Laos-China and Laos-Thailand railways - set up a booth at the six-day event to showcase its logistics service products that have been introduced since it began operation in December 2021.
Vice President of Thanaleng Dry Port Sole Co., Ltd., Viengkhone Sitthixay, and his team welcomed Lao Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune and foreign guests to the company's booth where the DPM was briefed about the Lao landmark project.
The dry port's Managing Director, Sakhone Philangam, told the guests that the dry port and its associated Vientiane Logistics Park are priority projects of the Lao government and form an integral part of the broader strategy to transform landlocked Laos into a land-link country.
The progress made in this direction was showcased at the Kunming expo, where businesses set up more than 2,000 booths in total.
The event provides an excellent opportunity for Lao businesses to explore avenues and establish trade partnerships with international companies, particularly those in China and Southeast Asia. - Vientiane Times/ANN
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