Mr Santiphab Phomvihane (ninth from left) and his delegation pose for a group photo at the Savannakhet Dry Port.

Deputy PM visits Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, Savannakhet Dry Port

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mr Santiphab Phomvihane and his delegation on July 31 inspected operations at the Savannakhet Special Economic Zone C (Savan Park) and the Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge cargo terminal.
The delegation was welcomed by the Executive Director of Savan Park, Mr Tee Chee Seng, alongside the Chief Executive Director of the Savannakhet Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA), Dr Thanongsai Soukkhamthat, together with customs officials, Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge cargo terminal authorities, and infrastructure developers.
During the visit, an official from the Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge cargo terminal briefed the Deputy Prime Minister on overall bridge development and operational management.

Savan Park Executive Director Mr Tee Chee Seng (left) briefs the Minister on port operations.

Mr Tee Chee Seng presented an update on developments at Zone C and revenue collection systems.
Officials said the number of trucks passing through the collection system has steadily increased, supported by a clear, transparent process that has boosted state revenue.

The delegation joins company representatives for a commemorative photograph during the dry port tour.

The delegation also observed an advanced, highly accurate vehicle-tracking system designed to enable seamless government monitoring in the future.
Highlighting trade volumes, Mr Santiphab was informed that the value of goods passing through the Savannakhet Dry Port totalled US$6.65 billion over the past six months.

LDB’s officer explains the international checkpoint FB2 fees & bridge fees through MOF payment gateway.

Following the briefings, the delegation conducted a physical inspection of the Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge cargo terminal and the Savannakhet Dry Port, observing cargo documentation and digital payment procedures firsthand.

Mr Santiphab Phomvihane listens to an update on port operations and trade.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that all customs duties, taxes, and other government fees shall be paid electronically through the Ministry of Finance (MoF) Payment Gateway, which will serve as the centralised government payment system. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, accountability, and convenience in government revenue collection while supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The International Customs Checkpoint at the Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and the Savannakhet Dry Port successfully collected 1,597.674 billion kip in state revenue during the first six months of 2026, reaching 76.82 percent of the annual plan despite economic challenges and exchange rate fluctuations.
Revenue collection was heavily driven by fuel imports, which brought in 933.200 billion kip, or 210.74 percent of the six-month plan.
Other major contributors included vehicle parts, completely built-up vehicles, transit goods, special fees, electrical appliances, consumer goods, and various administrative fees.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update August 3, 2026)