Vietnam will help Laos connect to the sea.

On November 12th, a preparatory meeting for the 47th session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, and Laos and Vietnam, was held in Vientiane, Laos. Mr. Tran Quoc Phuong, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment and Vice Chairman of the Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, stated that Vietnam's "strategic perspective" is to help Laos acquire its own seaport and port, followed by railway and road networks, to open up to international integration and develop an independent economy.

According to Mr. Phuong, Vietnam will focus on removing obstacles and promoting important connectivity projects (cooperation investment projects for berths 1, 2, and 3 of Vung Ang port, road transport connectivity projects between Hanoi and Vientiane, Vientiane-Vung Ang railway project, etc.); and definitively resolving outstanding issues in projects.

At the Conference, both sides reviewed the results of the implementation of the Agreement on the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Plan in 2024, as well as outlining directions and tasks for the cooperation plan in 2025.

The conference prepared the agenda for the 47th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, and Laos and Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Minister Tran Quoc Phuong affirmed Vietnam's consistent policy of always valuing and giving the highest priority to preserving and developing the special Vietnam-Laos relationship, considering it an invaluable asset of vital importance to the revolutionary cause of each country. In the coming time, both sides need to continue to thoroughly implement the content of the High-Level Leaders' Agreement; the Agreement on the Annual Cooperation Plan between the two Governments; and coordinate to promote relevant ministries, sectors, localities, and agencies of both sides to strive to successfully complete the Agreement on the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Plan for 2024 and 2025.

Both sides also agreed to strengthen connectivity and complementarity between the two economies; create a stable, transparent legal framework and a favorable environment; and establish specific mechanisms for key security and defense projects. They also agreed to promote trade growth (10-15%); and enhance trade promotion, brand building, and distribution channels for goods in each country to ensure stable presence and sustainable market access.

Regarding cooperation in electricity trading, both sides will continue to coordinate to review and study in detail the electricity purchase and sale prices for power projects expected to be put into operation after 2025. They will also study connecting the transmission lines of the two countries to meet the future electricity trading needs of power projects in Laos; and create favorable conditions to promote the implementation of wind power projects in the border area to sell electricity to Vietnam.

Other areas of cooperation proposed at the Conference included improving the efficiency of aid utilization, focusing on the maintenance and upkeep of completed projects, and especially bringing the Lao-Vietnam Friendship Hospital in Hua Phan province into operation in 2025. This project is of significant importance to Vietnam-Lao cooperation.

Furthermore, we will continue to prioritize cooperation in education and training, focusing on high quality; strengthen support for Laos in sharing experiences on maintaining macroeconomic stability, sustainable development, and improving the business environment; enhance consultation and mutual support; strengthen ASEAN's role in promoting sub-regional cooperation, linking sub-regional cooperation with the ASEAN Community building process and ASEAN's regional integration…

At the conclusion of the Conference, both sides agreed on the content of two draft documents: the Minutes of the 47th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, Laos and Vietnam, and the Agreement on the Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Plan for 2025. Regarding the time and location of the 47th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, Laos and Vietnam, both sides agreed to submit the matter to the leaders of the two countries' cooperation committees for their opinions on holding it in Laos (expected in January 2025).

According to information presented at the Conference, in the first 10 months of 2024, Vietnam registered investments totaling US$74.6 million in Laos, a 16.3% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Bilateral trade reached US$1.7 billion, a 28% increase compared to the previous year. In the field of non-refundable aid, Vietnam completed and handed over four major projects to Laos, including the upgrading of the Lao National Radio Station and the construction of four small-scale irrigation systems in Anuvong and Thathom districts of Xaysomboun province…

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/viet-nam-se-giup-lao-ket-noi-ra-bien-207202.html