The detailed planning scheme covers an area of about 19.32 hectares in Chieng Khuong hamlet, Chieng Khuong commune. Under the plan, the area will feature key facilities including a national gate combined with an integrated inspection station; offices serving border-gate operations; a vehicle parking area and cargo unloading zone; a services and commercial area; a bonded warehouse; parks and green spaces; as well as transport and technical infrastructure.

To date, the Border Guard Command, in coordination with the consulting unit, has provided explanations addressing comments from the provincial Department of Construction and the Chieng Khuong commune People’s Committee to finalise the planning scheme. Previously, it had submitted the scheme for appraisal, with the planning expected to be approved before August 31, 2026.

Alongside the planning work, Phase 1 of the project is expected to be implemented in 2026-2028, with total investment of about 135 billion VND (5.17 million USD) sourced from the central budget. Key components include a two-story bonded warehouse, two quarantine facilities, an office building, a transport system, site grading and technical infrastructure. The provincial Department of Finance, in coordination with the provincial Border Guard Command, is currently seeking a second round of comments from relevant agencies and units on the investment procedures.

Concluding the meeting, Chairman Viet asked relevant departments and agencies to continue coordinating to finalise the project and develop the planning scheme with a long-term vision and well-structured investment, aiming to turn Chieng Khuong into an international border gate with substantial trade activities with neighbouring Laos in the northwestern region. The planning should include assessments and forecasts of the volume of people, vehicles and goods in order to ensure infrastructure investment is commensurate with demand and avoid waste.

At the same time, the planning work must be aligned with socio-economic development in conjunction with national defence, security and external relations. Investment components should be prioritised, while attention should be paid to allocating locations for planned facilities and projects based on economic efficiency to attract investors. The commercial and service area should be located in a favourable position, while priority should be given to technical infrastructure options supporting the development of a smart border gate./.