Vietnam, Laos aim to boost economic linkage, cooperation across key sectors

The agreement was reached during talks between Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and visiting Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Hanoi on Sunday.

PM Siphandone arrived in Hanoi earlier the same day for an official visit to Vietnam from June 7 to 9, during which he is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 at the invitation of PM Hung.

A key focus of the talks was strengthening connectivity between the two economies through improved infrastructure and closer policy coordination.

The two sides agreed to prioritize strategic transport projects, including the Hanoi–Vientiane expressway and the Vung Ang–Vientiane railway, while supporting Laos’ goal of becoming a regional logistics hub with greater access to the sea.

On economic cooperation, the leaders discussed measures to strengthen links between the two economies by shifting bilateral ties from friendship-based cooperation toward a results-oriented partnership centered on economic efficiency and strategic connectivity.

They agreed to implement existing economic agreements, explore mechanisms and policies tailored to the special nature of Vietnam–Laos relations, and foster a more transparent and favorable investment and business environment for enterprises from both countries.

The two governments also pledged to work toward raising bilateral trade to US$10 billion by 2030.

In education and human resource development, both sides pledged to strengthen cooperation through the early establishment of the Laos–Vietnam Friendship University in Laos, the training of high-quality personnel, and leadership development programs.

They also agreed to expand collaboration in science and technology, culture, sports, tourism, clean agriculture, e-commerce, digital transformation, and innovation.

The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defense and security cooperation.

They agreed to continue implementing existing defense and security agreements, as well as enhance coordination in combating transnational crime, drug trafficking, and the illegal exploitation of natural resources, while maintaining stability and social order along their shared border.

PM Hung also thanked Laos for its close cooperation in supporting efforts to search for, recover, and repatriate the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in the country in wartime.

He expressed hope that the Lao government would continue supporting Vietnam’s 500-day campaign to search for, recover, and identify the remains of fallen soldiers.

During the talks, both leaders concurred that their Parties and governments place top priority on the Vietnam–Laos relationship, which they described as one of great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic connectivity.

They also agreed to maintain regular high-level exchanges and effectively coordinate activities marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam–Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 2027.

Prime Minister Hung reaffirmed Vietnam’s continued support for Laos’ development goals, while the Lao prime minister congratulated Vietnam on its recent achievements and expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s long-standing assistance to Laos, including support that helped stabilize fuel supplies in the country.

PM Siphandone underscored that the Lao government would continue creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community and Vietnamese businesses in Laos.

He invited PM Hung to pay an official visit to Laos, and the Vietnamese leader accepted the invitation, saying he would arrange it at a suitable time.

Following the talks, the two PMs witnessed the signing of four cooperation documents covering transport, education, finance, and ethnic and religious affairs.