Routeing via Danang (Vietnam) (Route 1)
Route 1 (see Table II) has been chosen because this route represents the
traditional route for Lao import and export. This is due to the fact that before
the opening of the Lao economy, international trade was generally conducted
with former communist countries and the only access to the sea that was
available to Lao PDR was through Vietnam. Under a bilateral protocol, all
transit traffic through Vietnam must utilise the Lao Bao (Lao PDR)-Houey Kaki
(Vietnam) border crossing and Danang port as the point of entry or exit. The
protocol relates to the issue of transit permit or authorisation for each
shipment. The protocol does not cover the issue of movement of vehicles.