라오스 반타오 드라이포트 활성화 방향 연구 = Study on the Activation Strategies of the Vangtao Dry Port in Laos

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

As of late 2023, the Vangtao Dry Port in Champasak Province, southern Laos, remains at an early stage of development. Yet, its location adjacent to the Chong Mek border with Thailand provides significant potential to become a regional logistics hub. During a field visit in 2024, the author observed that land leveling works were still underway, but the introduction of the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) system had already shortened customs clearance times more than anticipated. Drawing on over 500 international studies on dry ports, this paper outlines three key policy pillars for activating Vangtao: infrastructure expansion, regulatory and administrative improvements, and private sector engagement. The proposed tasks include upgrading road links, preparing for future rail connectivity, enhancing legal and procedural frameworks, and fostering public–private partnerships with incentive schemes. To address uncertainty, three alternative scenarios—optimistic growth, moderate stability, and stagnation—are considered, with corresponding strategic responses suggested. Ultimately, Vangtao has the potential to evolve beyond a border facility into a pivotal gateway supporting Laos's aspiration to become a “land-linked” nation.