The Governments of Laos and Malaysia inaugurated a new trade corridor connecting Laos’ Thanaleng Dry Port to Malaysia’s Penang Port, enhancing direct access from Laos to global markets. The agreement, formalised through a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) between Malaysia’s Penang Port Sdn Bhd and Laos’ Thanaleng Dry Port, was signed by top officials with both countries’ prime ministers present.
This corridor links the Lao-China Railway with Malaysia’s strategic Penang Port, streamlining cargo transport with faster, cost-efficient routes. Malaysia aims to strengthen its position as a regional logistics hub by integrating infrastructure and operations, while Laos gains crucial sea access, opening pathways to markets in India and Africa. This initiative follows an earlier connection between Malaysia’s Perlis Inland Port and Vientiane Capital, further expanding trade access.
In 2024, bilateral trade totalled USD20.9 million, with Malaysia exporting USD14.2 million to Laos and importing USD6.7 million. Malaysia also remains a key investor in Laos, with nearly USD942 million invested in 46 projects.