This aerial photo taken on Nov 25, 2022 shows a Lane Xang electric multiple unit train parking at the Vientiane Railway Station in Vientiane, Laos. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

VIENTIANE - Senior officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have met in Lao capital Vientiane, with participants pushing for improved regional connectivity to spur investment and trade.

Delegations from the ASEAN countries gathered here for the 46th meeting of the ASEAN Transport Facilitation Working Group, Lao national TV reported on Tuesday.

The gathering is viewed as significant because senior officials debated key matters and initiatives aimed at improving transport across the ASEAN region

Addressing the meeting, held from Monday to Tuesday, Deputy Director General of the Department of Transport under the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Phanthaphap Phounsavath, said the participants would discuss and shape the direction of plans to strengthen ASEAN transport cooperation.

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The gathering is viewed as significant because senior officials debated key matters and initiatives aimed at improving transport across the ASEAN region.

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The meeting reviewed and followed up the requirements of the 29th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting, the 56th ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting, and other relevant meetings of ASEAN coordinating bodies.

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Senior officials also looked at ways to enhance transport cooperation with ASEAN's partners and international organizations, seeking collaboration on common objectives and discussing joint efforts in further intensifying the implementation of ASEAN transport agreements through collaboration and support from dialogue partners, according to the report.