The MoU, signed between Vietnam Social Security (VSS) and the Lao National Social Security Organisation, covers cooperation for the 2026–2028 period and focuses on strengthening social welfare systems amid ongoing institutional reforms in both countries.

Under the signed document, the two sides will cooperate in developing and improving social insurance and health insurance policies, enhancing staff capacity, expanding digital transformation, applying information technology and improving inspection and supervision mechanisms.

The MoU also includes cooperation in social insurance fund management, cashless payment systems for social security benefits and the sharing of experience in expanding insurance coverage and improving healthcare insurance assessment and payment systems.

Specific cooperation activities will be implemented from 2026 to 2028, with both sides expected to conduct a joint review at the end of the period to assess effectiveness and identify future directions for cooperation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, VSS director Le Hung Son noted the strengthening of bilateral cooperation holds practical significance as both Vietnam and Laos continue restructuring and improving the efficiency of their social welfare systems.

According to the VSS director, Vietnam has acquired significant experience in organisational reform, administrative simplification, digital transformation and social insurance management that could provide useful references for Laos.

At the same time, Vietnam also hopes to learn from Laos’s practical experience in implementing social welfare policies, he added.

Son noted that Vietnam’s social security system has recorded positive results since VSS shifted to a new organisational model under the Ministry of Finance in March 2025.

As of the end of May 2026, the number of social insurance participants in Vietnam was estimated at 21.91 million, up 12% year on year, while unemployment insurance participants reached 17.35 million and health insurance coverage expanded to 98.56 million people.

During the same period, Vietnam’s social insurance system processed sickness and maternity benefits for more than 3.6 million people, unemployment benefits for over 239,000 beneficiaries and healthcare insurance payments covering more than 77 million medical visits.

Meanwhile, Lao National Social Security Organisation director Chomyeang Phengthongsawath highly valued the practical and effective cooperation between the two agencies in recent years.

He said Vietnam Social Security has actively supported Laos through professional exchanges, staff training and experience-sharing programmes related to social welfare management and policy implementation.

According to the Lao side, the country is currently working to improve its social insurance and healthcare insurance system, alongside accelerating digital transformation and information technology application.

In this context, Vietnam’s experience in administrative reform, fund management, digital transformation and expanding social insurance and healthcare coverage provides valuable reference for Laos, Phengthongsawath said.

He expressed confidence that the new memorandum would create a stronger framework for continued cooperation, helping reinforce the special friendship and sustainable partnership between Vietnam and Laos.

Lao, Vietnamese PMs discuss strengthening bilateral ties

VOV.VN - Pasaxon, the official newspaper of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, recently reported that Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone held a bilateral meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart Le Minh Hung in Cebu, the Philippines, on May 8 while attending the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings held from May 7-8.