Yesterday (November 19), the inauguration ceremony for the Long Sap – Pa Hang International Border Gates took place at the Long Sap International Border Gate, located in Moc Chau District, Son La Province (Vietnam), and the Pa Hang Border Gate in Sop Bao District, Houaphanh Province (Laos).
The first convoy of Vietnamese vehicles exiting the country through the Long Sap (Vietnam) – Pa Hang (Laos) international border gate. Photo: VNA
The Long Sap Main Border Gate was established on March 1, 1990, under the 1990 Vietnam-Laos Border Management Agreement. Situated in Phieng Cai Hamlet, Long Sap Commune, Moc Chau District, Son La Province, it faces the Pa Hang Border Gate in Pa Hang Hamlet, Sop Bao District, Houaphanh Province, Laos. The border area includes Border Marker No. 255.
On December 22, 2020, the Vietnamese Government issued Resolution No. 182 to upgrade the Long Sap Main Border Gate in Son La Province to an international border gate. Subsequently, on December 31, 2020, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced the Lao Government about the decision and requested that Laos upgrade the Pa Hang Main Border Gate in Houaphanh Province to an international border gate. On September 16, 2024, the Lao Government approved the upgrade of the Pa Hang Border Gate to international status.
The inauguration of the Long Sap – Pa Hang International Border Gates marks a significant milestone in promoting interaction and cooperative development between Son La and Houaphanh Provinces. It also aims to improve living standards and strengthen solidarity among the border communities of both countries.
At the event, the Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of Vietnam’s National Boundary Committee urged both nations’ relevant agencies and local authorities to prioritize investment in developing socio-economic infrastructure in border regions and border gates. This would foster economic cooperation, investment, trade, and tourism between Vietnam and Laos.
During the ceremony, the Chairman of Son La Provincial People’s Committee stated that the province would maximize the potential of these international border gates to drive rapid and sustainable development in Son La Province while contributing to the sustainable development of Houaphanh Province, Laos.
@SGtiepthi