Vietnam, Laos prioritize strategic projects to boost regional trade

The commitment was highlighted during a meeting between Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Hanoi on Tuesday.

This was Siphandone’s first official visit to Vietnam since the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, which took place from January 6 to 8 in Vientiane.

The meeting underscored the special relationship between the two nations.

Party General Secretary and State President Lam praised Laos’ participation in the third ASEAN Future Forum, held from Tuesday to Wednesday in Hanoi, alongside Cambodia, Thailand, and Timor-Leste, highlighting ASEAN solidarity and the strategic bond between Vietnam and Laos.

Vietnam pledged continued support for Laos’ economic reforms, offering assistance to stabilize macroeconomic conditions, improve governance, and promote sustainable growth.

Both leaders agreed to prioritize major projects in transportation, energy, agriculture, and digital transformation, especially the development of Vung Ang Port, the Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway, and the Vung Ang-Vientiane railway.

These projects aim to enhance trade flows and allow Lao goods to access broader regional and global markets.

The two sides were also committed to simplifying border procedures and expanding local currency settlements to facilitate trade and travel.

Party General Secretary and State President Lam emphasized the importance of trilateral cooperation with Cambodia, urging the effective implementation of the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam economic connectivity plan to 2030.

Both leaders agreed to strengthen solidarity among the three nations and coordinate closely in regional and international forums.

Vietnam remains one of the largest foreign investors in Laos, with 289 projects worth US$6.6 billion.

Bilateral trade reached $1.2 billion in the first quarter of 2026.

PM Siphandone thanked Vietnam for its consistent support and pledged to work closely to ensure the success of joint projects.

The two countries will mark 65 years of diplomatic relations and 50 years of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Treaty in 2027 with commemorative events aimed at deepening ties, especially among younger generations.

In related news, Party General Secretary and State President Lam met Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Hanoi the same day, reaffirming the strong ties between the two countries as they celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

He welcomed PM Anutin’s first official visit to Vietnam, noting its significance in advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

The Vietnamese leader expressed confidence that the visit would deepen cooperation and deliver practical results across multiple sectors.

PM Anutin conveyed greetings from Thailand’s King and Queen and praised Party General Secretary and State President Lam’s recent visit to Thailand, which he said left a positive impression on the Thai people and opened new directions for bilateral cooperation.

The Thai leader informed Party General Secretary and State President Lam of successful talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, during which both sides agreed on concrete measures to implement high-level agreements.

PM Anutin emphasized that Thailand regards Vietnam as a close neighbor and reliable partner.

He spotlighted the importance of his delegation, which included three deputy prime ministers, six ministers, military commanders, and senior officials, as a sign of Thailand’s commitment to strengthening ties with Vietnam.

Party General Secretary and State President Lam proposed enhancing political trust, expanding economic and defense cooperation, and promoting people-to-people exchanges through regular high-level contacts.

He also underlined cooperation between political parties, including Vietnam’s Communist Party and Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party, to reinforce the political foundation of bilateral relations.

PM Anutin expressed strong support for the priorities outlined by Party General Secretary and State President Lam and pledged to advance the ‘Three Connectivity’ strategy, focusing on economic integration, infrastructure, logistics, and supply chains.

He also called for expanded cooperation in science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.

Thailand aims to boost bilateral trade with Vietnam to $25 billion, with a long-term goal of $50 billion.

Both sides agreed to expand cooperation through Party, parliamentary, and people-to-people channels while maintaining close coordination in multilateral forums including ASEAN, the United Nations, APEC, and Mekong subregional cooperation mechanisms.