Ho Chi Minh City (VNA) – The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management under Fulbright University Vietnam, opened the Laos Executive Leadership Programme (LELP) 2026 for senior Lao officials at both central and local levels in Ho Chi Minh City on March 23.
In his remarks, Standing Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Loc Ha described the programme as a meaningful initiative and a high-level policy dialogue platform, enabling Lao policymakers and senior officials to engage with leading scholars and experts on key issues for Laos’ socio-economic development.
He expressed his confidence that through in-depth discussions and practical field studies, participants will gain valuable insights to support policymaking and contribute to implementing the strategic goals set by the Lao Party and State at the 12th National Party Congress.
Ha also noted that the programme is a practical move helping enhance the “great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion” between Vietnam and Laos. As a leading economic and innovation hub, Ho Chi Minh City stands ready to deepen cooperation with Lao localities and support their development efforts.
Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maythong Thammavongsa thanked the Vietnamese Government and Fulbright University Vietnam for organising the training programme. He highlighted its practical relevance, particularly amid complex and evolving regional and global dynamics, and described it as a testament to the two countries’ cooperation in developing high-quality human resources.
He also commended Vietnam’s recent socio-economic achievements, noting that its development experience offers valuable lessons and inspiration for Laos. The programme’s focus on areas such as public finance, budgeting, and digital industry development is expected to help strengthen the capacity and strategic thinking of Lao officials, enabling them to apply knowledge effectively in governance and policy implementation.
Running from March 23 to 28 in Ho Chi Minh City and other localities, the LELP 2026 is designed as a high-level policy dialogue. It aims to support Lao leaders in translating strategic objectives into practical policy options and actionable programmes, drawing on both domestic realities and regional development experiences, particularly those of Vietnam./.
Vietnam, Laos reaffirm enduring partnership across generations
Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam noted that the Vietnam – Laos special relationship is deepening in a more practical and effective manner across areas, delivering tangible benefits to both peoples while contributing to regional and global peace, stability, cooperation and development.
