Thailand’s Transport Minister Officiates Launch of Thailand-Laos-China logistics Center

–

CHIANG RAI – Thailand’s Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has officiated at the launch ceremony for the construction of the Thailand-Laos-China logistics center near the fourth Thai-Lao Friendship bridge in Chiang Rai province.

In attendance were Director General of the Department of Land Transport Sanit Promwong, officials from the related agencies, logistics operators, and investors.

Construction is approximately 10% complete, which includes reconditioning and minor construction of the center.

The center is being built on a 53.76-hectare plot of expropriated land.

According to the minister, the center will provide support to logistics operators based in Thailand, Laos and China through the fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge and the R3A highway. Arkhom is confident that it will raise the Kingdom’s logistics standards, while preparing the nation for economic growth in ASEAN and western China.

The center will also facilitate the transition from road transport to the soon-to-be-constructed Denchai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Kong railway. Both projects will turn Chiang Rai into logistics node in the ASEAN region and a gateway to the North-South Economic Corridors.

The 1,100-kilometer R3A highway connects Chiang Kong in Thailand and Bokeo in Laos to China’s Kunming. Key products being transported on this route include vegetables, fruits, consumables, machinery and construction materials. Trade value through the Chiang Kong border has been growing continuously and rapidly, averaging 21 billion baht per year.

By Nuppol Suvansombut