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.