Shanghai: Simao port, one of the three major customs ports in Yunnan province, is going to build an 890 kilometers international shipping channel to Laos by 2025.
The project also includes building several cargo and passenger transport terminals along the Lancang River. The Lancang-Mekong River international shipping channel was opened to navigation in 2001, but is only available for 60tons-class ship at present. The new project will allow access to 500tons-class ships when completed.
The project also includes the possibility of enhancing port cooperation and improving the shipping conditions between China, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.
Simao port, built in 1990, has developed into an international port, handling 70,000 tons of cargo and 40,000 passengers annually. The port currently has opened waterways with Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. [05/12/14]
