The model aims to accelerate connectivity, simplify procedures and facilitate businesses and people’s travel and transport in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

At the launch ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc stated that the inauguration of the customs model demonstrates Vietnam and Laos’ efforts to create an open and transparent investment environment, facilitate border trade and investment and positively prepare for the establishment of the ASEAN community late this year.

It will encourage other regional countries and localities to apply the model at border gates along the EWEC and other corridors in the GMS, contributing to the full implementation of the GMS Cross Border Transport Agreement (GMS-CBTA), Phuc said.

He added that the successful implementation of the ‘One-stop-shop’ customs model at the Lao Bao-Densavan International Border Gate will also help Quang Tri and Savannakhet provinces play their role of a bridge linking countries in the EWEC and exploit their potential to develop, reduce poverty and improve living conditions of local people. 

Over the years, GMS countries, including Laos and Vietnam have paid due attention to resolving soft barriers on policies and mechanisms, simplifying procedures to promote the EWEC efficiency in order to speed up integration, strengthen connectivity and bridge development gap, and reduce poverty in 19 provinces and cities along the EWEC.

Deputies Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Laos, Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Somsavat Lengsavad visited the border gate after the inauguration ceremony.