The province of Hà Tĩnh in Vietnam and the Ministry of National Defense of Laos have reaffirmed their shared vision that the Laos–Vietnam International Port, situated within the Vũng Áng Economic Zone, will not only be a major economic asset but also a living emblem of the long-standing friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations in the 21st century.

On the morning of April 20, Hà Tĩnh Province hosted a working session with a high-ranking Lao delegation led by Senior Lieutenant General Vongkham Phommakone, Deputy Minister of National Defense of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The central focus of the discussions was the upcoming inauguration of Wharf No. 3 at the Laos–Vietnam International Port in Kỳ Anh Town.

The meeting brought together senior leaders, including Mr. Trần Báu Hà, Vice Chairman of Hà Tĩnh Provincial People’s Committee, and Major General Nguyễn Ngọc Hà, Deputy Commander of Vietnam’s Military Region 4. The atmosphere underscored both the solemnity of the occasion and the spirit of mutual trust that has defined Vietnam–Laos relations for decades.

Wharf No. 3 – A Cornerstone of Joint Development

Wharf No. 3 is being developed by the Laos–Vietnam International Port Joint Stock Company with a total investment of nearly 1,000 billion VND, divided into two phases. The project is comprehensive in scope, covering berthing facilities, navigation channels, protective revetments, cargo yards, internal transport systems, technical infrastructure, and supporting works.

Once operational, the wharf will be capable of accommodating vessels of up to 45,000 DWT and is projected to handle 1.7 million tons of cargo annually. Construction is in its final stages, with efforts being accelerated to ensure readiness for the grand inauguration in April 2025. Hà Tĩnh authorities have mobilized their departments and agencies to ensure that preparations—from infrastructure completion to ceremonial protocols—are thoroughly executed.

During the meeting, both sides worked to harmonize organizational details for the upcoming inauguration ceremony. Vice Chairman Trần Báu Hà recalled the deep-rooted cooperation between Hà Tĩnh and various Lao provinces, emphasizing that their partnership has always gone beyond economics to encompass culture, defense, and humanitarian support.

He further explained that the Ministries of National Defense of both countries made a historic decision to jointly invest in and operate Vũng Áng Port, reflecting the unique strategic trust between the two nations. Wharf No. 3, in particular, is seen as a model project that integrates political, economic, and defense-security dimensions. By assigning Hà Tĩnh as the lead implementing body, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense underscored the province’s crucial role in ensuring the project’s success.

Thanks to the direct guidance of both governments and the unwavering commitment of investors, officials, and agencies on both sides, the project has nearly reached fruition. The inauguration, therefore, will not merely be a ceremony but a powerful demonstration of how shared will and cooperation can translate into tangible achievements.

Looking ahead, Wharf No. 3 is expected to become a vital artery for trade and logistics, especially for landlocked Lao provinces that rely on regional connectivity to access international markets. The port will open up new opportunities for import-export activities, boost the competitiveness of businesses in both countries, and catalyze economic growth across the border.

Hà Tĩnh’s leadership also pledged to provide favorable conditions for Lao enterprises seeking to invest and operate locally. The province intends to leverage its geographic advantage by enhancing connectivity between the Vũng Áng Economic Zone and major Lao economic centers through National Highways 8A and 12A.

In addition to economic integration, Hà Tĩnh has committed to fostering stronger people-to-people bonds by supporting Lao students studying in the province, promoting cross-border healthcare initiatives, and expanding cultural exchange programs. These initiatives highlight that the Laos–Vietnam International Port is not only about goods and trade, but also about people and shared prosperity.

Senior Lieutenant General Vongkham Phommakone, speaking on behalf of the Lao delegation, emphasized that the inauguration of Wharf No. 3 is far more than an infrastructure milestone. To Laos, it represents a significant political and diplomatic event, reaffirming the special relationship forged in history and carried forward with determination.

He highlighted that the Laos–Vietnam International Port will serve as a visible and lasting testament to the two countries’ unity, reminding future generations of the strength of bilateral friendship. He also shared practical suggestions on ensuring the ceremony captures this symbolic importance—through meticulous protocol, robust security arrangements, and cultural activities that showcase the heritage of both nations.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Both sides agreed that the Laos–Vietnam International Port is not simply a physical construction but a strategic bridge connecting two economies and two peoples. It will strengthen supply chains, support defense cooperation, and enrich cultural interaction.

Vice Chairman Trần Báu Hà summed up the vision eloquently, stating that Hà Tĩnh will continue to serve as a trusted partner and a “strategic gateway” linking Vietnam and Laos. With determination, sincerity, and a forward-looking spirit, the Laos–Vietnam International Port is set to become a symbol of timeless friendship and a beacon for future cooperation between the two nations.

In the years ahead, as ships dock at Wharf No. 3 and goods flow across borders, each vessel will represent more than commerce—it will carry the weight of shared history, the promise of mutual development, and the enduring spirit of solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.