Lao Cai to become trade hub linking Viet Nam, ASEAN, and China

The plan figures out tasks and solutions to achieve the goal of developing Lao Cai into a hub for economic trade connectivity between Viet Nam, ASEAN countries, and Southwest China.

Accordingly, Lao Cai will be developed into an important gateway and a key hub for transportation and economic connectivity in the northern midland and mountainous region, linking Viet Nam and ASEAN countries with Southwest China via modern and synchronized transportation infrastructure.

Lao Cai Border Gate Economic Zone will be turned into a central hub for goods transshipment and a major logistics center along the Kunming-Lao Cai-Ha Noi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh economic corridor, as well as within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) economic cooperation framework.

The plan also aims to transform Lao Cai into a center for financial services, tourism, trade, and international events while establishing a smart border gate and piloting the development of a cross-border economic cooperation zone at the Lao Cai border gate, contributing to making the locality a growth pole and a well-developed province by 2030.

The Government will give priority to build the following highway routes: Noi Bai–Lao Cai expressway, a route connecting the expressway and Ha Giang province, and the expressway that connects Lao Cai's Bao Ha district with Lai Chau province.

The plan targets to complete and put into operation the Sa Pa Airport, meeting the 4C airport standard with a capacity of 3 million passengers per year while considering the construction of several cross-border bridges connecting with China and building bridges over the Red River in Lao Cai City and the districts of Bat Xat, Bao Thang, and Bao Yen./.