Cabinet approves loan to Lao PDR to improve route number R12

House of Representatives,, Cabinet approves loan to Lao PDR to improve route number R12, aiming to facilitate the delivery of goods to Vietnam-China. Ms. Kanika Aunjit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that at the Cabinet meeting Agreed to provide financial assistance to Lao PDR to improve Route 12 (R12) in the amount of 1,833 million baht, starting from Thakhek City, Khammouane Province, at the connection point with Road 13, approximately 17 miles from the Nakhon Phanom Permanent Border Crossing Point. Kilometers through the 3rd Thai - Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting to Yommalad, Bua Phala cities, ending at the Na Pao international border crossing point of Lao PDR, opposite the Ja Lo Quang Binh international border crossing point. Socialist Republic of Vietnam Distance approximately 147 kilometers. Consisting of improving the route according to Asian Highway standards, improving border crossing points. Various office buildings, loading and unloading stations and storage yards Utilities and facilities within the checkpoint area This loan charges an interest rate of 1.75 percent per year. The contract period is 30 years, debt-free for 7 years. Products and services from Thailand must be used not less than 50 percent of the contract value. In addition, there is also a grant of 91 million baht to improve the pier lines. Because the R12 route will support the policy of connecting transportation and logistics systems between Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam and China, as well as creating connections between countries under the Mekong Subregion. Transportation time and international customs procedures can be saved from 10 hours to 4 hours because the customs clearance process has been reduced from 5 points to 2 points. It is expected that there will be an opportunity to change the use of the route from the R9 route to use the project route. R12 approximately 50 percent, which will result in the R12 project being able to increase the value of border trade between Thailand - Lao PDR through the Nakhon Phanom customs checkpoint. Source: Thai News Agency