An ADB-supported road project that stretches from the People's Republic of China to the Lao People's Democratic Republic boosts small businesses along the Greater Mekong Subregion Route 3.

Transcript

Title: New Road Boosts Trade along an Ancient Mekong Trade Route

Description: An ADB-supported road project that stretches from the People's Republic of China to the Lao People's Democratic Republic boosts small businesses along the Greater Mekong Subregion Route 3.

VO: The Sikhounsaengs began their khem distribution business 6 years ago but it is only with Route 3 going from near their northern Lao PDR home through to the PRC that their business boomed.

SOT: Khammy Sikhounsaeng
Khem Vendor
It takes 20 minutes to get to the border now. It used to take 2 hours and the customs system is much better.

VO: Khem, a Lao version of straw is used for tradional rooms, brooms, and insulation and is still heavily in demand. The Sikhounsaengs now make about $1200 a month, a very good income by Lao standards.

Carrying the straw from north Lao PDR to Mohan has also become more time efficient.

SOT: Trader
It takes me about 12 hours now to go from here to Mohan. And make about 1.8 million kip for one trip.

VO: The new road bringing profit and speed to a traditional industry.

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