On this occasion, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang had an exchange with press reporters about the feelings of solidarity and closeness between the two peoples, as well as new cooperation orientations between Vietnam and Laos in the future.

Laos and Vietnam are two close neighbours, brothers and sisters who stick closely to Acacia, sharing the same water of many rivers passing through the two countries, leaning against the majestic Truong Son mountain range, and suffering together for many decades. the period of struggle for national salvation, as well as the period of national preservation and defense of the two countries.

Looking back at the relationship between the peoples of the two countries Laos - Vietnam in each historical period, we are proud to see that the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos - Vietnam nurtured by the great President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, President Souphanouvong, beloved by him, continues to be promoted. The leaders, revolutionary soldiers and people of the two countries together devoted their brains, efforts, lives and blood to the arduous and challenging revolutionary cause. Up to now, the relationship between Laos and Vietnam has become a special, loyal, pure and rare relationship, an invaluable asset of the two countries, a rule of existence and development of the two countries. decisive factor for the victory of the revolution in each country.It can be said that almost every battlefield in Laos has the imprint of the same fighting of Lao-Vietnamese soldiers. The Lao side also created favorable conditions for Vietnam to build the Ho Chi Minh trail through its territory, thereby transferring forces, vehicles and military weapons to South Vietnam to liberate South Vietnam. The South, with complete victory, reunified the country on April 30, 1975. The Lao People's Democratic Republic was also established on December 2, 1975.

Currently, although the regional and international situation continuously has complicated and unpredictable developments, the clear and close relationship between the two peoples of Laos and Vietnam has never faded, but increasingly promote efficiency, go into depth, bring practical benefits to the people of the two countries. The fields of politics, defense, security and diplomacy were constantly being improved, there was a rhythmic coordination in maintaining the revolutionary achievements and repelling the sabotage plots of the hostile forces. The two countries have closely coordinated at regional and international forums, actively contributing to the cause of peace, friendship and cooperation in the region and the world. In particular, the field of economy - trade, investment, education, culture ... has made continuous development steps. Vietnam is one of the largest sources of investment in Laos. The number of Lao students studying in Vietnam is increasing. The children study at Vietnamese educational institutions from North to South and receive good training and teaching attention from Vietnamese teachers. This is a valuable resource for Laos in the cause of preserving, protecting and developing the country in the new era.

Recently, cooperation between the two countries in the economic field is quite special and intimate. After the two countries adjusted their mechanisms and policies to suit the actual situation of each country, bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation has been growing steadily.

In the field of investment, Vietnamese investors play an important role and contribute to the socio-economic development of Laos. Since 1988, Vietnam has had 417 investment projects in Laos with a total approved value of $4.6 billion; in which, 100% investment capital of Vietnam has 291 projects, worth 4.3 billion USD; joint venture investment has 126 projects. Vietnam is currently ranked 3rd among 54 countries investing in Laos; mainly invests in the fields of agriculture, energy, minerals and services...

Regarding trade, bilateral trade turnover between the two countries in May 2022 reached more than 132 million USD, up 16.52% over the same period in 2021; in the first 5 months of 2022, it reached 690 million USD, up 21%. In May 2022, Laos exported more than 69 million USD, up 35.5%; goods import from Vietnam reached more than 62 million USD, up 0.84%. The main export items to Vietnam are still minerals. There are not many agricultural products from Laos to Vietnam.

It can be said that economic cooperation between Laos and Vietnam has contributed to promoting socio-economic development of Laos, accelerating economic growth, people's living standards have been increasingly improved, contributing to positive economic growth. closely in defense and security work.

Digital transformation is considered an important factor of current socio-economic development. In the fourth industrial revolution, industry - commerce is associated with digital industry and e-commerce. The automatic transformation and linkage and integration of modern industrial plants will help solve the problem of capital and labor shortage in Laos. Digital transformation is an important factor in the process of industrialization and modernization in Laos. At the same time, e-commerce will be an important field to improve the level of access to the domestic market, connecting to the regional and international markets of businesses in Laos, especially those in Laos. micro enterprises, small and medium enterprises.

Regarding the situation of digital transformation in Laos, up to now, the State has actively promoted digital transformation by setting out strategies in the 5-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021 - 2025) such as: The National Digital Economy Development Strategy for the 10-year period (2021 - 2030), the National Digital Economy Development Vision for the 20-year period (2021 - 2040). The Lao Party and State have also issued a number of necessary legal documents such as the Law on Electronic Business, the Law on Electronic Signatures... At the same time, Laos participates in international agreements and treaties such as the Agreements. ASEAN e-commerce and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Over the past time, Laos has also taken advantage of its cooperation with other countries in frameworks to develop digital technology. However, Laos' digital economy is still small in scale. Therefore, Laos urgently needs the investment of leading companies in Vietnam's digital economy to help Laos' digital economy catch up with other countries in the region and the world.

The Lao government has a policy to promote domestic and foreign investment based on the Investment Promotion Law of 2016 and other relevant legal documents in the field of trade and investment. I would like to point out some policies to attract domestic and foreign investors to invest in Laos in 9 sectors: Building a high-tech and modern science and technology center; clean, chemical-free agricultural production - production of seedlings and animal breeds; agricultural product processing industry; develop the natural, cultural and historical tourism industry; education and professional development; medical industry, building modern hospitals, factories producing drugs and medical equipment; investment in the development of freight transport service infrastructure and integration between countries; policy banks and microfinance institutions to solve difficulties of people and communities unable to access banks; Modern commercial center. Besides, Laos also implements promotion policies in 3 regions: Zone 1 - difficult areas, remote and isolated areas, infrastructure is not favorable for investment; Zone 2 - an area with favorable infrastructure for investment; Region 3 - Special Economic Zone.

If investing in the above 9 groups of industries and located in Region 1, investors will receive a policy of exemption from income tax and land transfer rent for 10 years. In addition, investors will enjoy tax policies, import of raw materials for production, capital access policies, land use policies and other policies in accordance with relevant laws.