The gate was inaugurated in December 1999 and was renamed from the Chieng Khuong National Border Gate to the Chieng Khuong Main Border Gate under Official Dispatch No. 1477/VPCP dated February 24, 2005 of the Government Office. It is located next to National Highway 4G and holds an important position for trade activities between Son La and Laos’ northern provinces.

In recent years, import-export activities through the border gate have seen many positive changes. The volume of vehicles and traded goods, especially agricultural products, minerals, and construction materials, has increased. The total import-export turnover in 2025 is estimated at 8.27 million USD.

However, the border gate’s infrastructure has not met actual requirements. The yard is small and lacks space for vehicles during peak periods; the connecting transport system is degraded; and there is a shortage of cold storage and warehouses.

At the meeting, the provincial Border Guard Command reported on the review of the planning. According to Government regulations on standards for border gate types, an international border gate must have a completed national gate structure; a total site area of at least 10 hectares; a system of warehouses, yards, transportation infrastructure, and facilities serving inspection and control; adequate technical infrastructure; environmental landscaping; and sufficient human resources.

Relevant departments and sectors contributed opinions on reviewing the criteria and standards to meet the requirements of a main border gate regarding equipment and personnel.

Speaking at the working session, Vice Chairman Hau requested departments, sectors, and the People’s Committee of Chieng Khuong commune to advise the provincial People’s Committee and its Chairman to propose competent authorities review and adjust the roadmap for upgrading the main border gate to an international one in the 2026-2030 period.

He also urged them to submit recommendations to the government on allocating capital to invest in and upgrade infrastructure and modernise equipment in 2026 and during 2026-2030. Relevant units must review planning-related contents to ensure consistency with the planning of the commune and strengthen land management.

The Vice Chairman also assigned relevant units and Chieng Khuong to coordinate and complete the partial adjustment of the general planning before January 31, 2026, and submit the detailed planning for approval by March 31, 2026.