The Government of Laos has announced that Laos will prioritise key transport infrastructure projects to improve domestic, regional, and international connectivity, thereby supporting trade, investment, and economic activity.
The Government has outlined upgrades to critical routes such as Road No. 13 North (Sikhai to Phonhong) and Road No. 13 South (71 km to 346 km). Preparations are also underway for a loan to upgrade Road No. 13 South from 21 km to 71 km. Bidding is in progress for improvement contracts on Roads 2E, 2W, and 12.
Renovation of National Highway No. 9 is planned through funding from truck service fees, with similar models considered for other roads. Expressway projects under planning include the Oudomxay–Boten section of the Laos–China Expressway and the Vientiane–Hanoi Expressway.
Bridge infrastructure is progressing steadily:
- The Huaykeo–Kontuen bridge across the Mekong in Bokeo is 98.85% complete.
- The 5th Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge (Pakxan–Beung Kan) is 97.37 per cent complete, with opening expected in December 2025.
- Construction of 12 bridges on Road No. 20 in Champassak and Saravan provinces is over 61 per cent complete.
- A loan request has been made for the Xiengman–Luang Prabang bridge, and a feasibility study is underway for the 6th Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge (Saravan–Ubon Ratchathani).
Airport upgrades are also being planned for Wattay, Luang Prabang, and Pakxe international airports.
Freight performance has exceeded expectations: 3.89 million tons of cargo were transported, 0.95 per cent above target, with rail carrying 1.52 million tons—6.27 per cent beyond the 2025 goal. The Laos–China Railway has transported 1.23 million passengers in the first five months of 2025, surpassing its annual target by 6 per cent.