Vientiane (VNA) – The Vietnamese and Lao ministries of industry and trade jointly held the opening ceremony of the 2025 Vietnam-Laos Trade Fair in Vientiane on July 17.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaythong Kommasith said the event, now in its 15th edition, has become a national-level trade exhibition that contributes to strengthening comprehensive cooperation between the two governments and peoples. He added that the fair plays an important role in promoting trade, investment, and tourism, while supporting the socio-economic development of both countries.
The minister praised the strong interest and active participation of Vietnamese and Lao enterprises in this year’s fair, reflected in the scale of their booths and the diversity of products on display. He expressed his belief that the event will further promote bilateral trade and help realise the cooperation targets set by the two countries’ leaders.
According to Malaythong, two-way trade reached 2.25 billion USD in 2024, up 38.2% from the previous year. In particular, total trade turnover in the first five months of 2025 hit 1.6 billion USD, a year-on-year increase of 100.4%.
The 2025 trade fair, running from July 17–21, features around 250 booths, of them 120 by nearly 80 Vietnamese enterprises. These firms represent diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, agro-forestry-fisheries and processed foods, fashion and textiles, handicrafts and furniture, and consumer goods. The exhibited products are varied in design, category and quality, meeting the consumer needs of both Vietnamese and Lao markets.
Pham Thi Hong, Deputy Director of Tien Sa Bird’s Nest Company (Da Nang city), said this was her company’s third time joining the fair, aiming to bring its products closer to Lao consumers and the international community.
Similarly, Southakon Sonvisay from Huaphanh province said his business has joined five times, hoping to promote local specialities - particularly cheo boong, a popular Lao dipping sauce - to both local and international audiences.
Nguyen Hong Minh, Deputy General Director of Star Telecom (Unitel) - a joint venture between Vietnam’s Viettel and Lao Asia Telecom - highlighted Unitel’s role as Laos’ largest telecom provider with nationwide coverage. He said the fair was an opportunity to showcase its leadership in infrastructure and reaffirm its commitment to serving the Lao people, businesses, and government.
In addition to promoting Vietnam’s national image and brand, the Vietnamese business delegation also sought to expand its market presence in Laos and Thailand’s northeastern region, promote investment potential, technology transfer, and joint ventures with Lao businesses.
The 2025 Vietnam-Laos Trade Fair is a key annual event under the framework of bilateral economic cooperation. It aims to boost trade ties, enhance mutual understanding and solidarity, and deepen the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States, and peoples of Vietnam and Laos./.
