Strengthening connectivity and support between the two economies of Vietnam and Laos

The special relationship between Vietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam has been affirmed many times by senior leaders of the two countries as a pure, loyal and "unique relationship in the world."

The special Vietnam-Laos relationship is built and developed on the basis of the interests of the people of the two countries. The two Parties, two States and people of Vietnam and Laos are always determined to preserve, nurture and develop the Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam relationship to become increasingly deeper, more sustainable and bring more practical benefits to the people of the two countries; at the same time, strengthen education so that the young generation of the two countries can understand the true nature of this special relationship, so that they can continue to inherit and develop it.

In the context of the rapidly changing, complex and unpredictable regional and world situation, General Secretary, President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, his wife and the high-ranking delegation of the Lao Party and State have just successfully concluded a state visit to Vietnam from September 10-13 at the invitation of General Secretary, President. To Lam and the Lady.

VNA correspondent in Laos had a quick talk with Party Central Committee member and Head of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee's External Relations Commission Thongsavanh Phomvihane about the results as well as the meaning and importance of the visit.

When asked about the significance and importance of the results of the state visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, the Head of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee affirmed that the results of the visit were a commitment that the two countries will continue to give priority to each other, continue to "stand side by side" with each other and always support each other in the cause of innovation, protection, construction and development of the country in the present period as well as in the future.

Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane said that the two Parties, two States and people of Laos and Vietnam need to work together to protect, nurture and build the great friendship and special solidarity between Laos and Vietnam to develop more and more, entering a new stage, going deeper and in line with reality, bringing about efficiency in all fields.

Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane emphasized that on the basis of promoting the spirit of independence, self-reliance, self-reliance, equal cooperation and harmony of interests, in accordance with the characteristics of the Laos-Vietnam relationship according to international practice, the two countries always prioritize, support and create favorable conditions for each other, cooperate for prosperous development, contributing to building peace and cooperation for mutual development in Southeast Asia as well as in the world.

According to the Head of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the political relationship between Laos and Vietnam helps guide the overall direction of cooperation between the two countries; Laos and Vietnam always pay attention to close cooperation in strategic issues, guidelines and policies related to the stability and development of each country; the two countries always maintain visits and contacts between high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and two States in many forms.

In terms of economy, the two sides agreed to make efforts to promote and create breakthroughs in the process of upgrading economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological cooperation to match political relations, on the basis of maintaining the capabilities and strengths of each country.

However, to achieve this goal, Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane suggested that in the coming time, the two sides need to jointly promote the organization and implementation of cooperation agreements and memoranda between the two governments, between ministries, branches, localities and enterprises of the two countries; continue to negotiate and finalize to sign new memoranda and cooperation agreements, in accordance with the actual situation and build a legal system that is convenient for cooperation between the two countries.

Laos and Vietnam need to have specific measures to enhance connectivity and support between the two economies of Laos and Vietnam, and between the three economies of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, especially in legal, financial, transport infrastructure, electricity, telecommunications, Travel, promote the mobilization of appropriate international partners to participate in cooperation and support strategic connectivity projects between the two countries.

Laos and Vietnam need to focus on improving the quality and efficiency of investment cooperation, focusing on implementing important projects to ensure progress and quality; enhancing exchanges and coordination in macroeconomic management between the two countries; having priority policies to promote businesses of the two countries to invest in areas where both sides have strengths, especially the energy sector (clean energy, alternative energy), digital transformation, technology, agriculture, minerals, tourism and promoting the implementation of the model of border gate economic zones along the East-West Economic Corridor.

The Head of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party's Central Committee's External Relations Commission emphasized that Laos and Vietnam must make every effort to maintain a bilateral trade growth rate of 10-15% per year; step up trade promotion activities, build brands, and distribution channels for Vietnamese and Lao goods; and promote the use of local currencies between the two countries in trade and investment activities.

Vietnam creates all favorable conditions for Laos to import and export goods through Vietnam's seaports./.