Landmark 255 at the Long Sap International Border Gate Pair, Moc Chau District, Son La - Pa Hang, Sop Bau District, Hua Phan Province (Laos). (Photo: Le Hanh/VOV)

The opening ceremony was marked by joy and high expectations among the residents of Son La and Hua Phan province. The event represents a significant step in strengthening Vietnam-Laos relations and enhancing regional integration.

Colonel Vu Duc Tu, Deputy Political Commissar of the Son La Border Guard Command, said: "We strongly believe that the inauguration of the international border gate pair marks a new era of development that will boost the diplomacy of the Party and State and strengthen trade and tourism between Vietnam and Laos, particularly between Son La, Hua Phan, and Luang Prabang, and unlock the full tourism potential of these regions."

Joint patrol team of Long Sap Border Gate Border Guard Station, Son La Provincial Border Guard Command and Border Guard Company 214, Hua Phan Provincial Military Command. (Photo: Le Hanh/VOV)

The upgrade to an international border gate will expand entry, exit, and trade operations. Goods, vehicles, and people from other countries, like Thailand, China, and Myanmar, can now transit through this gate, facilitating intermodal transport and temporary import/re-export activities.

Nguyen Minh Vu, Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: "The upgrade of the Long Sap-Pa Hang gateway is only the beginning. Continued investment in infrastructure will maximize the potential of this gateway. We hope both nations will capitalize on this development to drive socio-economic growth and improve the lives of people on both sides of the border."

Located in Phieng Cai village, Long Sap commune, Moc Chau district, Son La province, Long Sap Border Gate has been a key point of trade since its establishment in 1990. It is opposite the Pa Hang border gate in Sop Bau district, Hua Phan province, Laos. The Long Sap border gate was upgraded to an international border gate on December 22, 2020, and reciprocated by the Lao Government on February 15, 2024, for the Pa Hang Border Gate in Sop Bau district, Hua Phan province.

Local residents expressed their optimism:

"My name is Trang A Tua. I’m the Party Secretary of Phieng Cai village, Vietnam. Like other villagers, I’m very happy because, as a border village, Phieng Cai relies heavily on trade, particularly of agricultural products. The international border gate offers a vital opportunity for our community to stabilize and improve livelihoods."

“I’m Ly Vang, a resident of Pa Hang village. We are thrilled with this upgrade. Our community will work closely with border authorities to ensure security and order while contributing to mutual development."

The full utilization of this international border gate is expected to accelerate sustainable development in both Son La province and Hua Phan province, and reinforce the longstanding special friendship between the two nations, fostering deeper cooperation and mutual prosperity.

As this new gateway becomes a hub for regional trade and cultural exchange, it is poised to bring transformative benefits, connecting local communities to wider opportunities and strengthening the Vietnam-Laos partnership for generations to come.