Cooperation promotion on the East-West Economic Corridor
(QNO) - The cooperation of the localities in three countries on the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) is considered necessary for socio-economic development in each locality. They include Da Nang and Quang Nam (Vietnam), Sekong and Champasak (Laos), and Ubon Ratchatheni (Thailand).
The cooperative relations between the localities on the EWEC have been established and promoted over the past years.
In terms of Quang Nam, the province has had friendship and cooperation with four Lao southern provinces, including a comprehensive cooperative relationship with Sekong since 1984 and cooperation with Champasak in trade, investment, tourism, culture, and education since 2007.
Besides, Quang Nam and Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) have cooperated with each other in agriculture, trade, investment, tourism, and logistics since 2013.
It can be said that Quang Nam has cooperative relationships with all localities on the EWEC from Northeast Thailand to the Central key economic region of Vietnam through the provinces of Southern Laos.
Regarding Da Nang city, the activities of trading exchange and promotion with Laos and Thailand have been increased through the International EWEC trade and tourism fair, which is annually held in Da Nang to display tourism and trade products.
It is also an opportunity for localities to introduce their typical products, such as wooden furniture, interior decoration, handicrafts, and cuisine.
Da Nang also signed an agreement on trade promotion cooperation, strengthening import-export activities, logistics development, and human resources training with Southern Laos in 2022.
Besides, since 2016, Da Nang has been developing the EWEC from Da Nang, through Nam Giang International Border Gate (Quang Nam), Sekong, and Champasak, to Ubon Ratchathani.
It is regarded as the shortest route for goods from Southern Laos and Eastern Thailand to Da Nang seaport before they are exported to countries in the region and around the world.
Champasak and Sekong (Laos) are well-prepared for their connection with other localities on the EWEC in order to exploit its potential.
Champasak has built embarkments on the banks of the Sepon and Mekong Rivers in order to prevent landslides and floods, and create green spaces.
At the same time, the province has improved the infrastructure of three industrial parks and four economic zones to attract more local, Vietnamese and Thai investors with preferential policies.
Sekong is focusing on its infrastructure development, facilitating local and international investment. The province wants to be an electricity production hub in Southern Laos, an area of clean agricultural production associated with the processing industry.
For Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand), the province is making every effort to develop the cross-border trade route with other countries. Ubon Ratchathani has signed a cooperative agreement with Quang Nam.
The promotion of cooperation with other localities in the EWEC will facilitate trade development and goods transportation to the Central provinces of Vietnam, promote heritage values, and promote tourism development.
Currently, there are some investment projects from Quang Nam in Sekong and Champasak.
Two Lao provinces promise to facilitate the investment of Quang Nam businesses, contributing to promoting the cooperative relationship and comprehensive development between Quang Nam and these two Lao provinces.
Reportedly, the Nam Giang - Dak Ta Ooc International Border Gates run better and better, meeting the demands of goods import and export from Sekong and Southern Lao provinces to Quang Nam, Da Nang, and Thua Thien Hue.
Quang Nam and Da Nang are attempting to upgrade National Highway 14D, improving the transportation infrastructure to create favourable conditions for imports and exports through the EWEC.
According to Quang Nam planning, the Nam Giang - Dak Ta Ooc Border Gates will be upgraded and expanded, helping Laos complete the planning of the Dak Ta Ooc International Border Gate Economic Zone.