Hanoi (VNA) - The Ministries of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and Laos jointly held the 13th Vietnam-Laos border trade development conference in the northern province of Quang Ninh on November 7.
The annual conference aims to review existing agreements, promptly address concerns and challenges, and facilitate cross-border trade to reach a new level of development.
In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien highlighted that over recent years, especially since the 12th border trade development conference in 2022, economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, particularly in border trade, has grown strongly, despite global economic and political instability, and economic downturn.
“Other areas of bilateral cooperation have also achieved positive results, recognised and highly valued at the early-2025 meeting of the two Politburos.
Although these achievements are impressive, there remains significant potential for further development in trade and investment between the two countries.
This conference represents an important step towards fully realising that potential,” Minister Nguyen Hong Dien said.
During the conference, the Minister urged participants to focus discussions on evaluating actual achievements, identifying challenges and obstacles in bilateral trade and investment, particularly in border regions, and analysing their causes.
He called for practical proposals to help the two ministries improve agreements during upcoming revision negotiations, and to explore what businesses and regulatory agencies on both sides can do to seize new opportunities arising from this transformation.
He also welcomed feedback on policies and measures to attract and boost investment in production and export-oriented processing in both countries, especially in border areas, as well as solutions to infrastructure, transport, and logistics development at border gates.
The Minister emphasised that the conference marks an important milestone, opening a new phase of cooperation that is more effective, sustainable, and aligned with the spirit of integration, innovation, and green, digital, and comprehensive development in the new era.
For his part, Lao Minister of Industry and Trade Malaythong Kommasith noted that Vietnam-Laos border trade is not only economically significant but also carries profound political, cultural, and social value.
“It represents a vital link of great friendship and a driving force for stable and sustainable development for both nations.
For Laos, border trade with Vietnam offers opportunities to expand markets and access diverse supplies.
Conversely, it allows Vietnamese goods to penetrate deeper into the Lao market, reach further markets, and contribute to socio-economic development in the border regions,” he said.
Border trade cooperation is a key mechanism in implementing the Vietnam-Laos cooperation strategy for 2021-2030, particularly in comprehensive economic development.
The conference serves as a platform to implement trade agreements, promote border trade, investment, and economic infrastructure development, develop border economic zones, improve local livelihoods, and strengthen the special solidarity between the Vietnamese and Lao Parties, States and peoples./.
