Workers prepare the roadbed along National Highway 2W in Oudomxay province.

Upgrade of National Highway 2W in Oudomxay paves way for regional growth

The upgrade of National Highway 2W in Oudomxay province is expected to boost trade, tourism, and transport links between Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
The road improvement project covers sections in Xay, Baeng and Houn districts, aiming to create a seamless east-west transport corridor.
The highway begins in Ngeun district, Xayabouly province, which borders Nan province in Thailand, passes through Oudomxay, and links to Highway 2E, and crosses National Road 13 North.
From there, the route extends to May district in Phongsaly province and on to Dien Bien province in Vietnam.

When finished, National Highway 2W will be a key route for developing regional transport and logistics networks, including dry ports and goods distribution centres.
It is also expected to make trade and transport more resilient to climate change, supporting both domestic and cross-border economic growth.
The project, which began in late July 2024, is divided into two contracts.
Contract 1 covers the section from kilometre 0 to kilometre 68 and has a total value of more than US$30 million. This section is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

Contract 2 covers kilometre 68 in Baeng district to kilometre 121 in Houn district and is being carried out by Guangdong No. 3 Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric Engineering Board Co., Ltd. at a cost of US$22,675,496.42.
The company is required to finish construction within three years and will maintain the road for seven years. Funding comes from a loan from the World Bank.
Guangdong No. 3 Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric Engineering Board Co., Ltd. is part of the Guangdong Provincial Engineering Construction Group. The firm has worked in Laos since 1995 and has completed more than 40 construction projects, including roads, bridges, irrigation systems, public infrastructure, hydropower dams, and airports.
In recognition of its work, the company has received first, and third-class Labour Medals, as well as a Friendship Medal from the Lao government.
The firm’s main office in Laos is located on Road 13 South in Phailom village, Xaythany district, Vientiane.
In Oudomxay province, it has previously built an embankment and a public park in Xay district. The team working on Highway 2W is based in Houn district.

By Advertorial desk
(Latest Update August 15 , 2025)