Accordingly, Vietnam-Laos border area will serve as the gateway for external economic exchange in the east and the west of the country with the total natural land of 95,240.85 km2, covering ten provinces of Dien Bien, Son La, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam and Kon Tum.

Vietnam-Laos border area will be a center for forestry development, watershed protection and biological diversification. This is also the concentration of processing industries, mining, building material production, agriculture, hydro-electric projects and irrigation works.

The master plan also clearly specified the development orientation for regional space; development orientation for technical infrastructure on a large scale; spatial development orientation in border areas and programs and projects given priority to investment in the period of 5-10 years.

Both domestic and foreign investors will be given incentives and preferential policies as they engage in BOT, BT and FDI projects on border economic zones, economic zones, industrial parks, tourist sites, training centers, special healthcare centers, trade centers and infrastructure.

The Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Construction to direct, supervise and speed up the implementation of programs and building planning projects carried out in accordance with the regional building master plan approved by the competent State authority.

Besides, the Steering Board for master plan and regional building investment will be established to direct the implementation of programs and investment projects at regional level; create condition to mobilize ODA capital and sources of capital from economic sectors and non-government organizations.

By N.Y