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Published on April 1, 2008

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, China's Premier Wen Jiabao, Lao PM Bouasone Bouphavanh and ADB president Haruhiko Kuroda officially opened the Route 3 highway in Laos.

It was the last remaining stretch of road joining Singapore and Beijing.

Now that the new route is complete, the highway will be open all year and the driving time from Bangkok to Kunming will only take just over a day.

"Revitalising this ancient trade route and stimulating new business between these Mekong neighbours will bring more jobs and greater prosperity to the region," Kuroda said.

In Laos, Route 3 passes by the ancient village of Khou Vieng, a 16th-century trading post.

In addition to enhancing business and employment opportunities for Laos, Thailand and China, the new route is expected to boost the number of tourists visiting the region.

The total construction cost of Route 3 though Laos was US$97 million (Bt3 billion). The ADB, Thailand and China each contributed $30 million to the project, with Laos accounting for the remainder.

The Nation