Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long held a working session with Lao Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Chansaveng Bounyong in Vientiane on February 4, with a view to boosting energy cooperation and fulfilling high-level Vietnam-Laos cooperation.
The session, as part of Party General Secretary To Lam’s ongoing state visit, featured a detailed review of recent industry and trade relations. Both sides acknowledged the positive results achieved and held frank discussions on outstanding issues to improve cooperation in the years ahead, consistent with orientations and directions set by leaders of both countries.
In the power sector, Long affirmed that Vietnam prioritises cooperation with Laos in electricity imports, viewing this as a strategic area in line with high-level agreements and orientations between the two countries.
The two sides exchanged views on proposals to expand cross-border power grid linkages and develop power projects in Laos for export to Vietnam. They stressed the need for coordination spanning policy, regulatory, and technical levels to swiftly clear bottlenecks and deliver on the concrete commitments made by the leaders.
On coal trade, they highlighted initial positive results from the bilateral Agreement and Protocol on coal and electricity trading, evidenced by the signing and rollout of contracts between enterprises of both nations. They conducted in-depth discussions on issues requiring continued coordination to improve supply efficiency, transportation, logistics, and customs procedures, aiming to build a stable, sustainable coal partnership that matches Vietnam’s demand with Laos’s supply capacity based on economic efficiency and harmonised interests.
In oil and gas, Long reiterated Vietnam’s policy support for assisting Laos in building petroleum storage facilities and oil pipeline networks to secure supply stability and bolster energy security. The two sides also shared specific views on Laos’s plans to develop petroleum infrastructure, in the spirit of timely implementation that aligns with Laos’s needs.
Wrapping up the session, the two officials agreed to have their ministries’ focal units work closely together, nail down the issues, and clearly outline tasks, roadmaps, and coordination methods. These results will serve as the foundation for reports to ministry leaders and senior officials, helping advance key Vietnam-Laos cooperation goals./.
Vietnamese Government contributes to deepening Vietnam–Laos strategic bond: Lao PM
Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit, with the participation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, carries special historical significance for bilateral relations. It vividly demonstrates the strong political trust and the enduring, faithful bonds between the two Parties, States and people of Laos and Vietnam.
