At the invitation of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Government visited Laos and co-chaired the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee on January 9-10.
In an interview with the press, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet said that this is a working trip with many special “firsts”. For Vietnam, this is the first foreign visit by a key leader in 2025, while for Laos, this is the first foreign delegation to visit Laos in 2025.
Although it only lasted two days, the visit had a tight schedule, with nearly 20 diverse activities, in which Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with all the top leaders of Laos and co-chaired three particularly important events: the 47th Meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee, the Vietnam-Laos Investment Cooperation Conference and the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the construction of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Park.
Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet assessed that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's working trip was a great success and achieved many important results.
Firstly, the two countries' senior leaders agreed to continue to maintain regular contacts and exchanges of high-level delegations and delegations at all levels, both bilaterally and multilaterally; effectively implement bilateral cooperation and consultation mechanisms; and enhance the exchange of theories and experiences in Party building, socio-economic development, and international integration.
Second, the two sides have resolved many outstanding projects, creating momentum for a new, more dynamic and substantial phase of development cooperation.
Both sides were pleased with the strong developments in economy, trade and investment. Notably, the two-way trade turnover in 2024 is estimated to reach 2.2 billion USD, exceeding the set target of 2 billion USD, also the highest level ever.
Investment cooperation has changed positively, with registered investment capital to Laos in 2024 reaching 191.1 million USD, an increase of 62.1% compared to 2023. The two countries signed an agreement on coal and electricity trading, completed the local currency payment framework and connected bilateral retail payments at the 47th Session.
Third, the two sides have high consensus on policies and orientations for strategic projects in infrastructure, transportation, energy connectivity, and enhancing business connectivity to open up an era of highly connected cooperation between the two economies.
Fourthly, with the spirit of traditional solidarity and mutual assistance among the three countries of Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia, the two sides agreed to continue to exchange and coordinate with Cambodia to promote projects and cooperation between the three countries to bring about practical economic efficiency, in line with development requirements in the new period, and to enhance economic connectivity, commensurate with political and diplomatic relations.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam consistently prioritizes developing relations with close neighboring countries such as Laos and Cambodia, and is ready and encourages businesses to cooperate in investment and business, work together, enjoy together, and develop together.
Fifth, regarding cooperation within the multilateral framework, the two sides pledged to continue to coordinate closely at international and regional forums, especially within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and actively contribute to building a united community and ASEAN's central role in dealing with common challenges, including the East Sea issue and Mekong River water resources.
According to Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet, with the spirit of inheriting the achievements, with the feelings coming from the heart, and efforts in every action, the visit of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Laos and co-chairing the 47th Meeting of the Vietnam - Laos Intergovernmental Committee was a great success, contributing significantly to continuing to consolidate and develop the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in the coming time.
