Feasibility Study for Logistics Terminal in Champasak Province, Lao PDR

1. Project Name: Feasibility Study for Logistics Terminal in Champasak Province, Lao PDR

2. Duration:  August 2022 - August 2024

3. Background:

This Official Development Assistance (ODA) project, initiated in response to Laos' request, aims to revitalize Champasak Province's economy by modernizing its logistics infrastructure and maximizing its potential as a regional hub. The project, contracted in August 2022 and led by a KRIHS consortium, builds upon a project concept paper received in December 2020 and subsequent discussions with Lao officials. It encompasses four key assignments: developing a logistics master plan for Champasak; analyzing the feasibility of logistics terminals (including site review, freight demand forecasting, and economic analysis); assessing the feasibility of Pakse ring roads, bypasses, and a Mekong River bridge (including field surveys, cost estimation, and basic design); and implementing a Korean capacity-building program. This project seeks to validate existing local plans and feasibility studies through external review and guidance. 

4. Client: Logistics Revolution Korea (LRK)

5. Government Counterpart: Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Department of Public Works and Transport of Champasak Province

6. ERA's Contribution & Scope:

• Background Research: Gathering and analyzing existing data on logistics in Laos, including national strategies, regional trade flows, existing infrastructure, and market studies. This could involve reviewing government reports, academic papers, and industry publications.

• Demand Forecasting Support: Assisting with forecasting future freight demand for the logistics terminal, potentially by analyzing historical data, economic growth projections, and transportation models.

• Site Analysis Assistance: Supporting the evaluation of potential sites for the logistics terminal, including data collection on land availability, environmental factors, accessibility, and connectivity to transportation networks.

• Economic Analysis Support: Contributing to the economic feasibility study by researching market prices, estimating development and operating costs, and analyzing potential benefits of the terminal.

• Stakeholder Consultations: Assisting with organizing and documenting stakeholder consultations with local businesses, government agencies, and community members to gather input and address concerns.

• Data Management and Analysis: Managing and analyzing data related to logistics, transportation, and economic activity. This could involve using statistical software and GIS tools.

• Report Writing and Presentation: Contributing to the preparation of reports, presentations, and other project deliverables by summarizing research findings, creating charts and graphs, and proofreading documents.

• Logistical Support: Providing logistical support for project activities, such as arranging travel, scheduling meetings, and managing project documentation.

7. Summary

From August 2022 to August 2024, ERA supported a Logistics Revolution Korea (LRK)-led feasibility study for a logistics terminal in Champasak Province, Laos, commissioned by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. This ODA project, stemming from a Lao request and building on prior discussions, aims to boost Champasak's economy by developing its logistics infrastructure. ERA's research assistance covered background research, demand forecasting, site analysis, economic analysis, stakeholder consultations, data management, report writing, and logistical support. The broader project also includes developing a logistics master plan, assessing related road and bridge feasibility, and implementing capacity building.