Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn Signs Decision No. 1247/QD-TTg Issuing the Plan to Implement the Memorandum on Developing and Connecting Border Trade Infrastructure between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (the Plan).

 Proposed Policy Research on Developing Border Trade Infrastructure in Line with the Potential of Vietnam-Laos Border Provinces

The purpose of the Plan is to effectively implement the Memorandum on Developing and Connecting Border Trade Infrastructure between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (the Memorandum).

At the same time, it aims to facilitate coordination among ministries, sectors, and localities along the Vietnamese border and between competent authorities of Vietnam and those of Laos in implementing the Memorandum through the focal agencies of both countries.

This will contribute to promoting the development of border trade infrastructure between the two countries and serve as a basis for border provinces in Vietnam to develop plans for border trade infrastructure in their respective areas.

Supporting Traders in Bringing Goods into the Border Trade Distribution Chain

One of the contents of the Plan is to organize communication and dissemination of the Memorandum’s content and relevant legal regulations of Vietnam and Laos to individuals, organizations, and traders from both countries through mass media, publications, specialized pages related to the development of border trade infrastructure, as well as conferences, seminars, discussions, and training related to the Memorandum.

 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the development and connection of border trade infrastructure between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, represented by Minister Nguyen Hong Dien, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Laos, represented by Minister Malaithong Kommasith. This agreement was made between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Research and propose policies for the development of border trade infrastructure that are appropriate to the potential of the border provinces of Vietnam and Laos; support traders in bringing goods into the distribution chain in the form of border trade. Promote the development of various types of border trade infrastructure in the border provinces of Vietnam and Laos.

Review the types of border trade infrastructure that need upgrading and renovation, and prioritize the list of border trade infrastructure for investment and construction. The focal agency will coordinate with the Lao side to agree on the list of border trade infrastructure that needs prioritizing for construction, in accordance with the planning of each border locality for each phase; select at least one type of border trade infrastructure prioritized for investment and construction to report to the Government for decision.

Promoting Trade and Investment in Border Trade Infrastructure Development

Both sides will coordinate to enhance activities to organize and promote investment in building border trade infrastructure in the border areas of Vietnam and Laos at least once a year.

Encourage activities for Vietnamese and Lao traders to participate in investing in building border trade infrastructure in accordance with current regulations.

Establish a mechanism for connecting information between traders and border residents operating in the border area; connect Vietnamese traders with Lao traders.

Enhance information exchange, training, and resource development for state management agencies; develop a team of traders investing and doing business in the border area. The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Laos will be the focal points for coordinating with ministries, sectors, and the border provinces of both sides to implement the Memorandum.