Hai Phong (VNA) - Politburo member, Permanent member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee’s Secretariat and State Vice President of Laos Bounthong Chitmany led a high-level delegation to visit the northern port city of Hai Phong on December 5, as part of his working trip to Vietnam.
Welcoming the delegation, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Le Tien Chau said that in recent years, the city’s cooperation with the Lao provinces of Vientiane and Oudomxay has yielded positive results in several key areas such as Party and administration building, education and training, health, tourism, investment, and trade.
In terms of training cooperation, there are currently 117 Lao students learning at Hai Phong’s universities, Chau stated, adding that delegation exchanges, friendly interactions, and information sharing have been promoted in recent years.
He told the guests that Hai Phong has emerged as a major economic hub in Vietnam, with a total GDP of 16.62 billion USD, ranking sixth in the country. The city's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth rate for 2024 is estimated at 11.01%, placing it third nationwide. It has also achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first city in Vietnam to experience ten consecutive years of double-digit GRDP growth. Furthermore, in 2024, the city has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) of 4.7 billion USD, 2.35 times higher than the set target.
Bounthong Chitmany congratulated Hai Phong on its recent socio-economic achievements, affirming that his working visit presents a good opportunity for both sides to exchange and share experiences in Party building.
Appreciating the fraternal relationship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Hai Phong and Lao localities, he affirmed that the Lao Party, State, and people are committed to working closely with Vietnam to preserve and nurture the two countries’ special solidarity.
On the same day, the Lao Party delegation visited Hai Phong’s Hong Bang district./.
Vietnam always treasures relations with Laos: Party official
Vietnam attaches importance to strengthening its great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with neighbouring Laos, stated Politburo member Tran Cam Tu on December 5.
