The purpose of the 2025 Forum and Trade-Tourism Fair is to strengthen regional synergy by showcasing the growing ties between Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. At the 2025 Forum for Promoting the East-West Economic Corridor and the Trade and Tourism Fair that went hand in hand with it in Sekong Province, Southern Laos, a significant step was taken toward promoting regional cooperation. This step was taken during the latter event. Local authorities and business organizations from Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand lauded the event for its ability to develop collaboration and communication in the fields of tourism, investment, and trade. The event was a victory.

Working Together to Achieve Success for Both Parties
On May 23, the Vietnamese Consulate General in Pakse, in conjunction with the government of the province of Sekong, organized the "Trade, Investment, and Tourism Promotion Forum: Advancing the East-West Economic Corridor" as well as the 2025 Trade and Tourism Exhibition. Both organizations were held in Pakse. In order to foster economic cooperation between the provinces of Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, this annual event is held with the intention of bringing more people together.

At the Forum, high-ranking government officials from 18 provinces and cities in Vietnam, the province of Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand, and four provinces in southern Laos—Champasak, Salavan, Sekong, and Attapeu—represented their respective countries. It was able to participate virtually in Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, in addition to the six Vietnamese cities of Da Nang, Quang Tri, Quang Nam, Kon Tum, Dak Lak, and Binh Phuoc, which were present in person throughout the event.

Representatives from Vietnamese business associations in Japan and Southern Laos were among the attendees at the event, which was attended by a significant number of Vietnamese companies.

Transforming Long-Term Objectives into Results That Can Be Achieved
A zone of economic integration connecting southern Laos, central and southern Vietnam, and northeastern Thailand was the objective of the conference, as emphasized by Ms. Tẏ Phương Dung, the Vietnamese consul general in Pakse. She emphasized that the mission of the gathering was to materialize a single goal of strategic growth. During the Forum, business owners and government officials had the opportunity to organize their combined endeavors around shared aims and strengths, learn about the investment climate in southern Laos, and network with one another.

In addition to fostering commerce and investment, Ms. Dung asserts that the event acted as a forum for the exchange of cultural ideas and the development of amicable relationships between the three nations.

Implementation of a Realistic Framework for Regional Collaboration
During his remarks, Mr. Leklai Sivilay, the Governor of Sekong and a member of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, extended a warm welcome to the attendees and acknowledged the Forum's symbolic timing, which coincided with major national events that were planned to take place throughout all three countries in the year 2025.

In his remarks, Mr. Sivilay underlined that the Forum will play a vital role in assisting Southern Laos in realizing its full potential, particularly in the areas of attracting investments and establishing local connections with Vietnamese and Thai populations. He said that this would be especially true in the areas of investor attraction and strengthening local connections. In order for officials and enterprises to be able to collaborate more effectively in the future, he hoped that they would have a better understanding of each other's skills, policies, and development priorities.

During presentations, both opportunities and challenges are brought to the audience's attention. Presentations and remarks were delivered by twelve keynote speakers at the Forum. These speakers included representatives from governments situated in the Sekong region as well as businesses such as the Monsoon Company of Thailand and the Xekaman 3 Power Company of Vietnam. These discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the possibilities for investment, the challenges that are shared by both parties, and future plans to increase economic cooperation, tourism, and commerce.

The insights that were supplied cleared the way for the formation of narrowly focused initiatives that would contribute to the accomplishment of regional development goals. This was accomplished by bringing attention to areas of agreement and stimulating discussion.

An Exhibition of the Exchange of Economic and Cultural Perspectives
Later that day, the Vietnamese Consulate General and the Sekong municipal administration collaborated to conduct the 2025 Trade and Tourism Exhibition. The event was held in Sekong. The event featured a total of 47 booths, 12 of which belonged to Vietnam, 34 to Laos, and 1 to Thailand. The booths were located in Thailand.

Through the course of the exciting event, exhibitors had the opportunity to network with one another, get knowledge about new opportunities, and develop collaborations related to tourism. Cultural goods, agricultural commodities, and regional specialties were the focal points of the exhibition, which placed each participant nation's unique individuality on full show. OCOP, which originated in Vietnam, and ODOP, which originated in Laos, were two notable brands.

Enhancing Relationships Through the Application of Real-World Experience
This series of events provided ample evidence of the robust and growing trilateral link that exists between Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. The demonstration of a strong dedication to practical results, which included supporting the flow of knowledge, stimulating innovation, and seeking cooperative development on the part of communities and businesses, went well beyond simple ceremonial actions.

The events were praised by the delegates in a statement for their capacity to improve cultural understanding, strengthen economic partnerships, and foster cross-border involvement at the grassroots level.

Towards the Goal of Creating a More Well-Connected Connection Between East and West
According to the opinion of the stakeholders, the Forum and Fair were extremely helpful in promoting growth that was both inclusive and sustainable. Through the facilitation of partnerships between local governments and enterprises, the activities contributed to the realization of the East-West Economic Corridor's promise as a lane leading to growth, accessibility, and regional integration.

It is anticipated that the momentum that has been produced will continue to fuel cooperation across industries. This will allow for more free flow of trade, promotion of tourism, and investment to reach even the most remote locations.