Hanoi (VNA) – The 48th meeting of the Vietnam–Laos Intergovernmental Committee, to be co-chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone, represents a key event in further strengthening the two countries’ “great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation, strategic cohesion.”
Speaking to VietnamPlus on December 2, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong underscored the significance of the meeting, which takes place at a pivotal moment as both sides review the 2021–2025 cooperation period and map out orientations for 2026–2030.
Cuong affirmed that the Vietnam–Laos Intergovernmental Committee remains a crucial mechanism for translating high-level commitments between the two Parties and States into concrete cooperation programmes.
This year’s meeting, he noted, is not merely an annual review but carries special importance as it follows the recent high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. It also coincides with the conclusion of the 2021–2025 cooperation cycle and the preparation of strategic directions for the next phase.
“For 48 years, this mechanism has ensured the effective implementation of agreements between the two countries and has upheld the spirit of mutual support and shared development,” he stressed.
At the 48th meeting, both sides will assess cooperation outcomes during 2021–2025 across all fields. Despite global uncertainties, including intensifying strategic competition, natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnam–Laos special relationship has continued to develop.
Cuong said cooperation has been maintained between ministries, sectors, localities and businesses of the two countries in an effective manner. A range of key projects, especially during 2024–2025, has made concrete progress, creating new momentum in political, economic, defence, security, cultural and social cooperation.
The two sides have also held conferences to implement high-level agreements, helping deepen the essence of their unique relationship - one that both countries consider exemplary, loyal and pure, and a decisive factor in the success of each nation’s revolutionary cause.
According to the Deputy Minister, political relations have been consolidated, with increasing trust and closeness. Existing cooperation mechanisms have been utilised effectively, while new mechanisms have been established to promptly resolve bottlenecks in bilateral cooperation.
Cooperation in defence, security and external affairs remains a key pillar, contributing to the stability and development of both nations and supporting peace and collaboration in the region.
Economic partnership has recorded positive progress, with bottlenecks being addressed and investment and trade promotion strengthened. Several large-scale projects in energy and mining have moved forward, creating favourable conditions for other Vietnamese investments in Laos.
Vietnam currently has 276 investment projects in Laos with total registered capital of over 6.21 billion USD, of which about 3 billion USD has been disbursed. Many major projects have operated efficiently, generating jobs for Lao workers and contributing to socio-economic development in both countries, particularly in telecommunications, banking, energy, mining, agriculture and food processing.
Between 2021 and 2025, Laos approved 35 Vietnamese investment projects with a combined capital of 4.3 billion USD. Vietnamese enterprises contribute around 200 million USD annually to the Lao budget through taxes and financial obligations.
Bilateral trade has exceeded expectations during this period, with both sides striving to raise two-way turnover to 5 billion USD in the coming years, the official noted.
The two countries have also expanded cooperation in digital transformation, including bilateral retail payment connectivity, facilitating cross-border trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
Local-to-local cooperation has been deepened, with ministries, sectors, Party bodies, parliamentary agencies, mass organisations and provincial authorities strengthening collaboration in line with high-level agreements.
Reflecting on the past five years, Cuong said the achievements stem from the efforts of many generations who have preserved and nurtured the Vietnam–Laos special relationship which is considered unique in the world.
“With the strong commitment of senior leaders of both Parties and States, along with the efforts of ministries, sectors, localities and enterprises, we have every reason to be confident in a bright future for each nation and for our special relationship in the new period,” he affirmed./.
