Northern Laos province closes 10 border crossings with Vietnam

Authorities in northern Laos’ Huaphan province on Sunday (March 15) called for the temporary closure of 10 traditional border crossings with Vietnam as part of efforts to prevent an outbreak of the Covid-19 (coronavirus).

The Huaphan governor’s office has issued a notice for temporary close of 10 border checkpoints in the province which is bordered by Vietnam, until further notice.

Another four checkpoints will remain open, namely the Namsoiy (Na Meo) international checkpoint, as well as Ban Darn, Pa Hang, and Somvang, local daily Vientiane Times has reported.

The ruling comes into effect immediately and remains in place until further notice.

Laos authorities are working with medical staff at checkpoints to ensure strict implementation of virus prevention procedures.

According to the report, Lao industry and commerce sectors are worried about insufficient supplies of imported consumer goods from Vietnam through international and traditional checkpoints in Huaphan province, some 310 km northeast of Lao capital Vientiane.

“Most of the goods imported from Vietnam are consumer products such as seafood, fruit and household items as well as construction materials. Vietnam imports agricultural goods, livestock and wood products from Laos,” head of the Industry and Commerce’s Administration Office Vidavong Heuangmisouk said on Thursday.

Vietnam is ranked among the top three trading partners of Laos alongside Thailand and China, said the report.

Xinhua Agency – March 15, 2020