Chinese investments have jump-started infrastructure developments across neighbouring Laos. XINHUA NEWS AGENCY
The first phase of the China-Laos Expressway was officially opened on December 20, Huawei Technologies Co Ltd said in a press release.
The section runs from the Lao capital Vientiane to Vangvieng (known as the “Vientiane-Vangvieng Expressway) and is jointly developed by Yunnan Construction and Investment Holding Group with the cooperation of the Lao government.
The Vientiane-Vangvieng Expressway is the first smart expressway in Laos.
Travel between Vientiane to Vangvieng will only take one hour, which saves two and a half hours from the commute, and will promote the effective development of regional resources, improve the livelihood of the people along the route and deepen cooperation in socio-economic trade and cultural exchanges between Laos and China.
Huawei worked with partner Yunnan Huayuan Electronics Co Ltd to build a secure, stable, and intelligent information and communication technology (ICT) platform for the expressway based on a global-leading cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and security management system.
Huawei’s data communication and transmission equipment deployed along the route builds a digital perception, interaction, transmission and an application integrated solution that uses big data analysis and other technical means to implement all-scenario solutions such as real-time intelligent monitoring, intelligent charging, emergency response and decision analysis.
The 5G network planned to be built in Laos next year will also be integrated into the smart expressway.
The future of 5G+AI technology will further upgrade the intelligent level of the expressway and will facilitate the development of infrastructure in Laos.
The Vientiane-Vangvieng Expressway connects the Lao capital to one of the most famous tourist cities in Laos.
Its opening will greatly improve local transportation conditions, improve transportation efficiency, promote the development of economy and tourism along the way, and effectively benefit the local people.
Phokham, a staff member at Tmark Resort Vangvieng, was quoted by the press release as saying: “There has been a significant increase in hotel bookings during this period. Tourists also show the admiration for the travel experience on the Vientiane-Vangvieng expressway.
“It integrates high-tech and engineering construction, modern concept and cutting-edge technology to ensure driving safety.
“I believe that after the opening of this expressway, it will help to boost the tourism and economic development, and my income will also increase accordingly.”
Nanthavath, who works in Vientiane, reportedly drove his family ahead of time to experience and witness the opening of the first expressway in his hometown.
According to the press release, he said: “The new road is wider, faster and safer than the old one. It used to be a day of driving back and forth from Vientiane to Vangvieng, and it only takes more than an hour to reach Vangvieng now.
“Within the use of ETC [electronic toll collection], it will facilitate the rapid and orderly traffic, and ICT technologies will make the traffic smarter and more convenient.”
“ICT technologies are playing an increasingly important role in transportation and other industries, providing the better security system and convenience for people’s lives, and it is providing a tremendous impetus for social development that we can look forward to a fully connected intelligent life.”
