The Pasaxon newspaper, the official publication of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, has recently published a series of articles praising the deep and longstanding relationship between Vietnam and Laos. The articles highlight the traditional and unwavering bond that has connected the two countries for generations. This relationship between the two Parties, Goverments, and peoples of Vietnam and Laos has been one of mutual support and cooperation, which has endured both during the challenging times of the struggle for national liberation and in the ongoing efforts of national development.

According to reports by the Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN) from Laos, ahead of General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith’s state visit to Vietnam, Pasaxon continues to feature articles underscoring the significance of Vietnam's assistance. The newspaper underscores that Vietnam's support has fueled Laos' economic and social advancement. People view the assistance as instrumental, particularly in critical areas like education, infrastructure development, and human resource training.

Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Phet Phomphiphak, speaking at a mid-term review conference for the 2024 Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Plan, detailed how Vietnam has provided substantial financial aid to Laos over the past years. From 2021 to 2025, the Vietnamese Government has committed a total of 3.6 trillion VND in aid, which has been distributed progressively each year. The Vietnamese Government allocated 719.3 billion VND in 2021, 733.66 billion VND in 2022, 751.29 billion VND in 2023, and 719.23 billion VND in 2024. Various strategic projects, particularly enhancing the education sector and supporting significant infrastructure initiatives, have utilized this aid. Notable among the projects funded by this aid are the construction of the new National Assembly building in Laos, the establishment of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Vocational School in Nongbok district, Khammouane province, and the development of the People's Security Political Academy. These projects reflect the scope and impact of Vietnam’s support, which continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing Laos' capacity for development.

The article affirms that Vietnam's assistance has made significant contributions to Laos' socio-economic development. Photo: Xuân Tú/TTXVN correspondent in Laos.

The Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee data reveals that Vietnam strategically invested the 719.23 billion VND it provided in 2024 in several important projects. These include not only infrastructure but also the training of Lao officials and students, fostering the development of a skilled workforce that can contribute to Laos' future growth. The funds have played a crucial role in successfully completing these projects, resulting in a tangible impact on Laos' socio-economic development.

Vietnam completed four key aid projects in the first seven months of 2024 and handed them over to the Lao Government for immediate use. These projects include the modernization of equipment for the Lao National Radio Station, the construction of the Xaysomboun Provincial Radio and Television Station, the building of a secondary school in Huameung district, Huaphan province, and the establishment of four irrigation systems in the districts of Anouvong and Thathom in Xaysomboun province. The successful completion of these projects has had a profound effect, particularly on improving education infrastructure and providing essential agricultural support through enhanced irrigation systems, contributing directly to the economic wellbeing of local communities.

The leaders and citizens of both Vietnam and Laos, in a separate article, expressed strong pride in witnessing the continued growth of their bilateral relationship. The newspaper emphasized the deepening cooperation between the two countries, which is based on mutual trust and loyalty, spanning various fields from central government to local authorities. The special solidarity between the two nations, which has been characterized by transparency and brotherly unity, remains one of the defining features of Vietnam-Laos relations.

One area where this cooperation has been particularly fruitful is trade. The Pasaxon article noted that bilateral trade between Vietnam and Laos has shown a steady upward trend, growing month by month and year by year. Both governments have set ambitious targets for trade growth, with the goal of achieving an annual increase of 10-15%. In the first seven months of 2024 alone, the trade value between Vietnam and Laos grew by 17% compared to the same period in the previous year, demonstrating the strength of their economic partnership.

The article in Pasaxon mentions that Vietnam-Laos trade relations help achieve the growth targets set by the two Governments. Photo: Xuân Tú/TTXVN correspondent in Laos.

According to the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, the trade relationship between the two countries has seen consistent and positive growth from 2021 to 2023. Over this period, both governments set an initial target, but the average annual trade growth rate reached 17.7%. The concerted efforts of ministries, sectors, and businesses in both nations, along with the strong support and leadership provided by the governments of Vietnam and Laos, contributed to this achievement. The 46th session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation established the foundation for this collaboration, and both governments have diligently strived to accomplish these goals.

In the first seven months of 2024, the total value of trade between Vietnam and Laos reached 1.1 billion USD. Of this, Laos imported goods worth 355.3 million USD from Vietnam, an increase of 14.4% compared to the same period in 2023. At the same time, Laos exported 763.8 million USD worth of goods to Vietnam, marking a 17.8% rise from the previous year. This trade growth has been vital for both countries, as it strengthens their economic ties and opens new opportunities for further collaboration in the future.

Between 2021 and 2023, trade between Vietnam and Laos grew at an impressive rate, with an average annual increase of 17.7%. This growth has not only exceeded expectations but has also demonstrated the effectiveness of the close cooperation between the two governments. The continued efforts of both sides, from government leaders to local authorities and businesses, have ensured the successful implementation of the 2021-2025 cooperation agreements. These agreements have produced significant results, particularly in the economic sphere, where the two countries have consistently met and exceeded their growth targets of 10-15% per year.