Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) meets with Lao Party General Secretary and State President Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane on January 10. (Photo: VNA)
Welcoming the Vietnamese PM, the host leader emphasised that the visit marks an important milestone for the Intergovernmental Committee. He affirmed that the Party, State, and people of Laos always consider the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Viet Nam as a priceless asset which carries strategic importance to the revolutionary causes of both countries.
PM Chinh congratulated Laos on its successes in 2024 and expressed his confidence that under the clear-sighted leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, headed by Thongloun Sisoulith, the Party, State, and people of Laos will continue to reap even greater achievements in successfully implementing the resolution of the 11th National Party Congress and the 9th five-year socio-economic development plan.
Informing the host of the outcomes of his meeting with his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone, the Intergovernmental Committee’s 47th meeting, and the Viet Nam- Laos cooperation and investment conference 2025, PM Chinh highlighted that the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation in all areas since the previous session of the Intergovernmental Committee, agreed on measures to solve many outstanding problems, and put forward directions for bilateral cooperation in 2025.
The meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Party General Secretary and State President Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane on January 10 (Photo: VNA)
Both sides also agreed to strive for bilateral trade turnover of 5 billion USD, up from the current 2.2 billion USD. They vowed to maintain support for each other in building independent and self-reliant economies that are deeply and effectively integrated into the world, promote collaboration in culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges, and step up high-level mutual visits, especially on the occasion of major events of the two countries, according to the Vietnamese leader.
Welcoming the outcomes of the 47th session, the top leader of Laos appreciated the strong directions by the Politburo of Viet Nam, especially those by Party General Secretary To Lam and PM Chinh, in implementing the high-level cooperation agreements and plans, with a focus on resolving the difficulties and obstacles facing many projects.
He spoke highly of the great efforts and determination by the two countries' Governments, sectors, and localities to foster bilateral ties, asking for stronger implementation of the issues agreed upon by the two sides' leaders.
He also suggested further strengthening the economic connectivity between Laos and Viet Nam, particularly in finance, infrastructure, transport, energy, telecommunications, and tourism.
* Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone, co-chaired an investment cooperation conference in Vientiane on January 9, as part of the Vietnamese leader’s trip to the neighbouring country.
Highlighting the special relationship between the two countries, PM Chinh said it requires a unique approach – the one rooted in sincerity and genuine heart.
The leader suggested the two Parties, countries, and people of Vietnam and Laos strengthen their solidarity and unity, noting this is both responsibility and duty of each resident. He also emphasised the role of the two countries’ businesses in driving rapid and sustainable development for each side.
Pointing out limitations in infrastructure connectivity, especially in transport infrastructure, he said ministries and agencies of the two countries should work together to remove obstacles to projects, while seeking opinions from enterprises throughout the process.
The PM also suggested promoting the connectivity of production and supply chains, connecting businesses from a third country, and jointly developing industrial parks in each country.
He urged enterprises to rejuvenate traditional growth drivers and promote new engines and production forces, particularly in emerging sectors and the areas where each side has its strengths.
The leader noted his hope that Vietnamese and Lao enterprises will seize opportunities to step up investment and expand operations in both countries, emphasising that their investments should be driven not only by profit but also by a sense of responsibility and mutual affection.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone, and leaders of Vietnamese and Lao businesses in a group photo. (Source: VNA)
Agreeing with PM Chinh, PM Sonexay Siphandone commended the concerted efforts of both governments in recent years to develop infrastructure, particularly transport networks, to connect their economies and promote their regional integration, paving the way for enhanced trade and investment. The joint work has encouraged Vietnamese enterprises to invest in priority sectors aligned with Laos’s development plans.
The two governments agreed that they need to focus on transport infrastructure development for greater integration and connectivity, said the Lao PM. He mentioned key projects such as railway and roadway connectivity as well as Vung Ang seaport clusters, underscoring the importance of bolstering aviation cooperation.
PM Sonexay urged Vietnamese and Lao businesses to explore further opportunities for collaboration, particularly in industrial park development to help Laos enhance its deep processing capabilities for raw materials. He said clean energy and wind power development are also promising areas for investment.
The Lao PM called for more forums and conferences between the two countries to foster stronger economic ties to be on a par with their special relations.
Source: VNA
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