The commitment was made at a Vietnam–Laos investment promotion conference co-chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Laos in Vientiane on December 3.

The event, attended by leaders, representatives of associations, businesses, and investors from both countries, highlighted the continued positive growth in Vietnam–Laos economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

Statistics show the past 11 months of 2025 saw two-way trade between Vietnam and Laos rise 50.4% year on year to US$2.6 billion. Laos remains the top destination for Vietnam’s outbound investment, while Vietnam is the second largest foreign investor in Laos.

Many Vietnamese business projects are operating effectively, contributing positively to socio-economic development across various sectors in Laos.

However, according to Vietnam’s Minister of Finance cum head of the Vietnam–Laos Cooperation Committee Nguyen Van Thang, investment and trade cooperation has not yet matched the political relationship and potential between the two countries. Several large-scale, strategic projects have not met their timelines, while Laos’ macro-economy is still unstable, and its skilled human resources are insufficient and experiencing outward migration.

He called for more decisive, rapid, and effective actions to address these challenges. Key measures include resolving obstacles in ongoing projects and creating breakthroughs for new investment through institutional, procedural, and policy reforms.

“If we remove these bottlenecks, we will create an unprecedentedly large development space to promote economic, investment and trade cooperation between the two countries,” said Thang.

At the conference, leaders from both countries, along with business representatives and investors, underscored the importance of addressing institutional, human resource, and infrastructure bottlenecks. They highlighted the need to efficiently mobilise and utilise all available resources, promote economic restructuring, and drive growth through innovation. At the same time, they committed to effectively implementing development plans, strategies, and infrastructure projects in the coming years.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Chinh highly appreciated the efforts of businesses from both countries in overcoming difficulties and challenges, continuing to maintain and expand production and operations, and achieving positive results in 2025.

He urged businesses to innovate and strengthen strategic ties, noting that resources come from within, supported by mechanisms for cooperation between the two countries. He emphasised the State’s role in creating open institutions, seamless infrastructure, smart governance, and in fostering collaboration between pioneering businesses and both public and private sectors.

Prime Minister Chinh proposed strengthening and effectively utilising the Vietnam–Laos Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee, promoting the implementation of signed agreements, and accelerating investment projects with guaranteed progress and quality.

Large State-owned and private enterprises in Vietnam are encouraged to expand investments in Laos, while ministries and local authorities of both countries should coordinate closely, draw lessons from past cooperation, and consider the recommendations of the business community, he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Siphandone reaffirmed that Laos prioritises its great friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and special solidarity with Vietnam. He stressed the need to advance infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity, trade, investment, and tourism, including the construction of highways and railways linking Laos and Vietnam.

He also encouraged both countries to leverage technology and artificial intelligence to foster enterprise development and achieve the centennial goals agreed upon by the two countries.

Both leaders maintained that the Vietnam–Laos friendship and comprehensive cooperation are invaluable assets of the parties, states, and peoples of both countries. Every citizen and enterprise bears responsibility for nurturing and protecting this relationship. Investment projects are not only economic endeavours but also significant contributions to the unique solidarity and friendship between the two peoples.

With the determination of leaders, citizens, and business communities, the two Prime Ministers expressed confidence that Vietnam–Laos relations would reach new heights, ensuring prosperity, security, and well-being for both countries.

Vietnam and Laos vow to realise strategic cohesion in bilateral relations

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Laos co-hosted the 48th meeting of their Intergovernmental Committee in Vientiane on December 3 to review cooperation results from 2021–2025, set directions for 2026–2030, and advance the concrete implementation of high-level agreements, including a strategic cohesion agreement.