48th meeting of Vietnam–Laos Intergovernmental Committee yields significant outcomes: Lao Deputy PM

The 48th meeting of the Vietnam–Laos Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation was highly productive, delivering important and practical results for bilateral ties, according to Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith.

Speaking at a press briefing on December 3 following the meeting, which was co-chaired by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Saleumxay Kommasith said both sides appreciated the progress made in implementing cooperation agreements for the 2021-2025 period, which have brought tangible benefits to both peoples.

He noted that political and diplomatic relations continue to grow strongly, steadily and comprehensively, with regular high-level exchanges helping to consolidate political trust and reinforce the special relationship between the two nations. Laos and Vietnam have also maintained close coordination within ASEAN and at regional and international forums. Defence and security cooperation has strengthened in an effective and trusted manner, while economic cooperation has steadily improved with two-way trade expected to reach around 3 billion USD this year.

Vietnamese enterprises have so far invested in 276 projects in Laos with a total registered capital of 6.21 billion USD, the largest among the 85 countries and territories where Vietnam has landed its investments. Many of these projects are operating efficiently, contributing to Laos’ socio-economic development, creating jobs and incomes for thousands of workers, and generating additional budget revenue in key sectors such as telecommunications, banking, rubber cultivation and processing, agriculture, food processing and dairy production.

Cultural and social cooperation continues to expand, particularly in education and human resource training. Both sides agreed to improve the quality of selection of Lao students studying in Vietnam. In 2026, the Vietnamese Government will grant 1,300 scholarships to Lao officials and students. Cooperation between ministries, sectors and localities of the two countries is also increasingly close and effective.

At the meeting, the two PMs witnessed the signing and exchange of four key documents: the Vietnam–Laos Cooperation Agreement for 2026–2030; the Agreement on the 2026 Cooperation Plan; the minutes of the 48th meeting; and the 2026 Cooperation Plan between the Vietnamese and Lao Ministries of Education and Training.

Saleumxay Kommasith said both sides believed the meeting’s success and the newly signed agreements would help elevate the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam. On this occasion, he expressed deep gratitude to the Party, State and people of Vietnam for their support during Laos’ past struggle for national liberation and throughout its ongoing national defence, construction and development. He reaffirmed that the Lao Party and Government always give the highest priority to the special Laos–Vietnam relationship.

Vietnamese Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang said the meeting reviewed the implementation of cooperation plans for 2021–2025 and for 2025, and agreed on orientations for 2026. Both sides consented to begin vigorous implementation from early 2026 to promote cooperation across all fields, including politics, diplomacy, defence, security, investment and trade, he added.

He stated that the two countries will also strengthen economic connectivity, particularly in transport, energy, telecommunications and tourism, and introduce concrete measures to improve investment efficiency. These include addressing obstacles facing Vietnamese enterprises in Laos and Lao enterprises in Vietnam, resolving delays in investment projects, facilitating trade flows and accelerating two-way trade. Both sides will also work to advance cooperation in economic development, education, health care and science-technology, and support the development of Laos’ socio-economic infrastructure, especially connectivity projects that spur growth.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive cooperation achieved in 2025 and the effective execution of high-level and sectoral agreements.

Looking ahead, he noted both countries will prioritise implementing the tasks outlined in the Vietnam–Laos Joint Statement and the agreements signed at the meeting; strengthening political, defence and security cooperation; and creating new breakthroughs in economic, trade and investment ties. They aim to raise bilateral trade to 5 billion USD in the near future and 10 billion USD in the longer term, and to implement high-impact projects that fully leverage the strengths of each side./.