New Laos international airport to boost economy

Construction is underway on the brand new Attapeu International Airport at a cost of approximately US$45 million. 

Vietnamese building company, Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group, will oversee the project and will be paid at the completion of construction, slated for June 2013.

Lao President Choummaly Sayasone and Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang, along with other government officials, attended a celebratory ceremony last week endorsing the new facility.

The Laotian government plan to re-secure construction costs by waiving the equivalent amount in various taxes and concession fees, according to the Attapeu provincial Department of Public Works and Transport.

Once operational, the airport will be managed by the Laos government.Attapeu province Governor Dr Khamphanh Phommathat told media recently the new airport will enable more cooperation between Attapeu and other parts of Laos, as well as with foreign countries.

The airport aims to attract new business to the local economy, while boosting investment and tourism prospects.The Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group has also been contracted to complete another airport in the Huaphan province.

January 2012 saw the beginnings of Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year, marking the 50th anniversary of the two South East Asian countries' diplomatic ties and the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

Source - etravelblackboardasia