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Lancang-Mekong River, Golden Water Course
The Mekong River, also called Lancang River in China, the third largest international river following the Amazon River and the Nilotic River, is becoming a golden water course thanks to a joint effort made by China, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam where this river is flowing through.
Known as "Danube of the Orient", the 4,800-km-long river originates from China and flows through six counties.
According to statistics from relevant department of Yunnan Province, nearly 200,000 tons of commodities were transported abroad from China through this river in 2000 and against these there were only about 400 tons of shipment found in 1990. Besides, outbound Chinese tourists by ship from this river have exceeded 50,000 from nearly none.
As permitted by China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, free passage has been given to commercial shipments on the 893-km-long Lancang-Mekong River from Simao Port of China to Louangphrabeng Port of the Laos. Strung along the river are 14 ports and docks open to commerce according to the "Lancang-Mekong River Merchantman Navigation Agreement" signed by the four countries said.
As rich in virgin forest and different customs of local minorities along the banks of the Lancang-Mekong River, Thailand has invested in trans-national tourism in China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, followed by other countries in this region. Therefore, over 100 passenger ships are sailing on the river now.
It is reported that government officials from six countries in the valley of the Lancang-Mekong River will meet this year to sign a frame agreement on joint development of shipping and to make out unified river-route technical standard, working process and various regulations.
By PD Online Staff Deng Gang
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