On June 24, Politburo Member, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc chaired a meeting of the Vietnam - Laos Cooperation Committee (under the Vietnam - Laos Intergovernmental Committee), to review the implementation of tasks, plans, and cooperation programs between the two countries in the first 6 months of 2026 and deploy key tasks in the coming time.
According to a report by the Ministry of Finance, investment cooperation continues to have positive changes. In the first 6 months of 2026, the total new registered investment capital of Vietnamese enterprises in Laos reached 306 million USD, 2.2 times higher than the same period in 2025, focusing on the fields of mining, energy and agriculture. Vietnam's accumulated investment capital in Laos reached about 6.6 billion USD with 289 valid projects.
Energy cooperation, especially in the field of electricity and coal trading, basically achieved the set goals. Education, training, and cultural cooperation continued to be prioritized and promoted and achieved many important results.
Regarding large-scale investment projects of Vietnamese enterprises in Laos in the fields of mining, clean agriculture, and industrial crop cultivation, the Standing Deputy Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Finance to urgently report to competent authorities, implement in accordance with legal regulations, based on a full assessment of economic impacts and efficiency.
Regarding transport infrastructure connection, the Standing Deputy Prime Minister requested to accelerate the progress of implementing the Hanoi - Vientiane expressway and Vung Ang - Vientiane railway projects, and study a plan to build an expressway from Vung Ang port to Nam Can border gate (Quang Tri) on the basis of ensuring the overall efficiency of the project.
Regarding the energy sector, the Standing Deputy Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Vietnam Electricity Group to proactively review demand, promptly report to the Government on electricity purchase proposals from Laos, as well as cooperation contents on coal and electricity trading; urgently research and implement the project to build a gasoline and oil storage warehouse, and a 500 kV power transmission line in Northern Laos.
For new investment projects, the Standing Deputy Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies to proactively exchange and agree with the Lao side to select suitable projects, ensuring investment efficiency and resource balance.
Regarding the recommendations of Vietnamese businesses, the Ministry of Finance summarizes and coordinates with relevant agencies to study and work with the Lao side to remove difficulties and obstacles in tax policies, fees, quotas and administrative procedures, in order to create favorable conditions for investment and business activities of Vietnamese businesses.
The Ministry of Finance promotes the role of the standing agency of the Vietnam - Laos Cooperation Committee; actively urges ministries, branches, and localities to implement tasks according to the 2026 cooperation plan.
Ministries, branches, and localities regularly organize working groups to Laos to inspect the reality, urge the progress of projects, and promptly handle or propose solutions to arising difficulties and obstacles.
