A proposal to upgrade and renovate national highways connecting Vietnam with Laos and China and using World Bank loans has been submitted to the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam.

The project will be implemented over a five-year period from when the funding agreement takes effect, expected from 2025 to 2029.

National highways to be upgraded or renovated under the proposal include National Highway No. 279, National Highway No. 4H, and National Highway No. 217, with a total length of 186 km. The project aims to strengthen links along the East-West Corridor, contributing to promoting trade between Vietnam and the north of Laos and the south of China.

The cost has been estimated at some $350 million, with loans from the World Bank covering some $278 million and the remainder being domestic reciprocal capital.