On the afternoon of November 7, in Quang Ninh province, the 13th Vietnam-Laos Border Trade Development Cooperation Conference was jointly held by the Ministries of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and Laos.

The conference was co-chaired by Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Laos’ Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaythong Kommasith, with the participation of Deputy Ministers Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan and Chanthanoun Soukaloun, Ambassadors of both countries, and Chairman of the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee Bui Van Khang, along with leaders from various departments, provincial agencies, and enterprises from both sides.

Strengthening border trade cooperation between Vietnam and Laos

Addressing the event, Chairman of the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee Bui Van Khang emphasized that the annual conference serves as a vital mechanism to review existing cooperation, address obstacles, and create favorable conditions for the development of cross-border trade.

He highlighted that the meeting reaffirms the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations and provides a platform for both sides to review achievements and introduce new coordination mechanisms to enhance trade and investment.

Mr. Bui Van Khang expressed confidence that under the leadership of the two Ministers, the conference would reach breakthrough and practical agreements, paving the way for stronger trade development between Vietnam and Laos.

“Quang Ninh is committed to effectively implementing all outcomes of this conference and maximizing its role as an economic and cultural bridge, contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos,” he affirmed.

Toward a new phase of cooperation

Delivering the opening remarks, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien urged participants to focus discussions on key areas, including assessing progress and challenges in trade and investment cooperation; identifying solutions to strengthen bilateral trade; and proposing measures to improve infrastructure, logistics, and production capacity along the border areas.

He stressed that the conference should lay the groundwork for practical, sustainable cooperation aligned with the spirit of innovation, digital transformation, and green growth.

“On the foundation of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between our two Parties, States, and peoples, I believe this conference will mark a significant milestone, opening a new chapter of deeper, more effective cooperation between Vietnam and Laos,” the Minister said.

Expanding trade and investment for mutual benefitIn his remarks, Laos’ Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaythong Kommasith underscored that Vietnam-Laos border trade cooperation is not only economically important but also carries profound political, cultural, and social significance.

“This is the lifeline of our great friendship and a driver for stable, sustainable growth for both nations,” Minister Kommasith noted. He added that border trade allows Laos to access diverse supplies and markets while enabling Vietnamese goods to penetrate more deeply into the Lao market and beyond to third-country markets.

The conference and its associated programs are expected to serve as a launching pad for a new era of bilateral cooperation, fostering growth in trade, investment, industry, and infrastructure development particularly in border economic zones while improving livelihoods and strengthening the enduring bond between the two peoples.