Thailand, Laos sign bridge deal

Thailand, Laos sign bridge deal

BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand and Laos have signed an agreement to
improve regional trade links by constructing their second bridge
across the Mekong river, officials said Monday.

Thai Transport and Communications Minister Momamad Nor Matha
and his Laotian counterpart Pao Bunnapol on Sunday inked the deal
to build the bridge linking Thailand's northeastern province of
Mukdahan and Savannakhet in Laos.

"The bridge will not only link Thailand, Laos and other
countries in the sub-Mekong region, but also enhance close
relations between the two countries," the Thai communications
ministry said in a statement.

The new bridge will serve a trade route that originates in
Mukdahan and extends to Savannakhet and Dong Ha in Vietnam.

Construction work is due to begin in late 2002, and is
expected to be completed by 2005.