Vietnam - Laos: Strengthening cooperation in digital transformation, using applications as a measure of effectiveness.

On the afternoon of January 16, 2026, within the framework of the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting (ADGMIN 6), the Minister of Science and Technology of Vietnam, Nguyen Manh Hung, held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Technology and Communications of Laos, Santisouk Simmalavong. The two ministers had an in-depth discussion on cooperation in digital transformation, infrastructure development, human resources, and innovation, building on the foundation of the special friendship between the two countries. The meeting took place in a sincere and open atmosphere, clearly reflecting the long-standing and trustworthy relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung held a bilateral meeting with Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Santisouk Simmalavong.

Speaking at the meeting, Lao Minister of Industry and Information Technology Santisouk Simmalavong expressed his sincere gratitude to Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung for taking the time to receive the delegation. He also congratulated Vietnam on successfully hosting the 6th ADGMIN Conference.

According to Minister Santisouk Simmalavong, the Conference is clear evidence of Vietnam's increasingly prominent role in promoting ASEAN digital cooperation, and affirms Vietnam's pioneering position in the region's digital transformation process.

Expressing his admiration for Vietnam's achievements, Minister Santisouk Simmalavong assessed that Vietnam is developing strongly, becoming one of the leading countries in digital transformation in the region, with increasingly clear contributions to economic growth. He emphasized that, in the special traditional relationship between the two countries, Vietnam has effectively supported Laos in developing digital human resources, especially through cooperation with the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) and the Vietnam Internet Center (VNNIC).

Along with human resource training, Minister Santisouk Simmalavong stated that Laos is particularly interested in ensuring cybersecurity and wishes to further strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in the field of radio frequencies. "We consider Vietnam as family and are very proud to learn from Vietnam's valuable experiences in promoting digital transformation to serve the development of Laos," Minister Santisouk Simmalavong shared.

In response, Vietnam's Minister of Science and Technology, Nguyen Manh Hung, affirmed that every time he visits Laos, he feels like he's returning home because of the close and friendly relationship that has been nurtured over many generations. "When cooperating with Laos, Vietnam in general and the Ministry of Science and Technology in particular face no obstacles. If Laos needs it, we are ready to provide full support," Minister Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized.

Sharing from practical experience, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung clearly outlined Vietnam's unique approach to digital technology development.

Unlike traditional infrastructure sectors such as transportation or electricity, which require massive capital investment, digital technology can be disseminated to the public at a relatively low cost but with a powerful ripple effect. Currently, Vietnam allocates only about 1% of its budget to digital technology, yet the benefits are equivalent to building "roads" or "electricity" for the economy.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung also emphasized: "Digital technology does not develop for its own sake, but because it is used. Countries that have many problems and actively use technology to solve them will develop faster." The Minister believes this is a great opportunity for both Vietnam and Laos.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung suggested that Laos should boldly present specific "problems" to Vietnam for joint resolution, including those related to technological development. Vietnam is ready to provide support in terms of experts, funding, and to work with Lao officials in implementation, after which the results will be transferred for application in Laos.

Regarding business cooperation, Minister Santisouk Simmalavong highly appreciated Viettel's investment effectiveness in Laos, especially the popularization of 4G.

Laos is committed to continuing to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses such as Viettel and VNPT to invest and conduct long-term business.

Regarding human resource training, both sides agreed that it is a crucial pillar of digital cooperation.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung proposed that Laos strengthen cooperation with the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology through online training, the development of digital universities, and skills certification programs.

Vietnam is also ready to share documents and experiences on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the building of an innovation ecosystem; and will send a delegation and technology companies to participate in the Digital Week that Laos plans to organize this year.

At the end of the working session, Minister Santisouk Simmalavong expressed his deep impression of Minister Nguyen Manh Hung's frank and practical sharing. The two ministers agreed to continue strengthening close coordination, bringing Vietnam-Laos digital cooperation to a deeper and more substantive level, making practical contributions to the socio-economic development of each country.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/viet-nam-lao-tang-cuong-hop-tac-chuyen-doi-so-lay-ung-dung-lam-thuoc-do-hieu-qua-197260116195923934.htm