Currently, the only area on the Vietnam-Laos border with established economic zones is the Lao Bao International Border Gate (Huong Hoa District, Quang Tri) and the Den Savanh (H. Se Pon, Savannakhet, Laos). The Special Economic and Trade Zone of Lao Bao was established in 1998, followed by the Den Savanh Border Trade Zone four years later. Over time, these zones have transformed the appearance of the border region and significantly contributed to the development of Quang Tri and Savannakhet provinces. However, due to both objective and subjective factors, while some goals have been achieved, there are still limitations, and investment, trade, and service activities in these zones have not met expectations. To harness the potential of the Lao Bao Special Economic and Trade Zone and the Den Savanh Border Trade Zone and to enhance local economic development and the Vietnam-Laos friendship, Quang Tri Province has proactively proposed a study for the establishment of a joint cross-border economic and trade zone since 2015. Laos and Savannakhet Province also seek to collaborate with Vietnam on this cross-border economic zone project.

The development of the Lao Bao-Den Savanh cross-border economic and trade zone holds strategic importance for enhancing economic connectivity between Vietnam and Laos, promoting friendly relations between the two countries, and ensuring national defense and security. Moreover, this economic zone is expected to deliver high economic benefits for both nations. Recently, the Party and Government have focused on the development of this cross-border zone. On November 3, 2022, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW on socio-economic development and national defense and security in the North Central and Central Coastal regions through 2030, with a vision to 2045, which emphasizes: “Strengthen economic cooperation through border gates in the region linked with the East-West Economic Corridor. Pilot the model of cross-border economic zones along the EWEC.” Following this directive, Quang Tri has actively coordinated the development of the "Lao Bao - Den Savanh Cross-Border Economic and Trade Zone" project. To implement this, Quang Tri Province has established Task Force 626, collaborating with Savannakhet and Salavan Provinces (Laos) to research special socio-economic cooperation mechanisms, including the development of the "Lao Bao - Den Savanh Cross-Border Economic and Trade Zone" project.

Mr. Ha Sy Dong, Permanent Vice Chairman of Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee and Head of Task Force 626, reported that in 2023, three main tasks were completed: finalizing the project for the Lao Bao - Den Savanh Cross-Border Economic and Trade Zone, implementing the agreement between the Vietnamese and Lao governments, and assisting the Lao provinces in planning and adjusting the Special Economic and Trade Zone of Lao Bao and the Den Savanh Border Trade Zone. Preparations for the workshop scheduled for mid-March 2024 are also underway.

On the border this March, we felt the bustling atmosphere right from the excitement of the people on both sides. Filled with hope, Ms. Peanui from H. Se Pon, Savannakhet, expressed that the multi-industry economic and trade zone will create more job opportunities and significantly improve the lives of the local people. Ms. Peanui hopes that the upcoming workshop will be a great success and achieve its goals.

More than 200 delegates are expected to participate in the workshop to discuss the pilot project for the Lao Bao-Den Savanh Cross-Border Economic and Trade Zone. The focus will be on promoting and showcasing the feasibility, mechanisms, and preferential policies that facilitate investment and business operations in this joint cross-border economic zone. Additionally, the workshop aims to highlight the potential, strengths, and investment opportunities to attract substantial resources into the Lao Bao Special Economic and Trade Zone and the Den Savanh Border Trade Zone. Through the workshop, a platform will be established for direct meetings and interactions, fostering cooperation between Quang Tri Province and domestic and international organizations, enterprises, and investors. It will also gather business feedback on the proposed preferential policies to be applied in the Lao Bao-Den Savanh Cross-Border Economic and Trade Zone. Hà Sỹ Đồng, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee, emphasized that the workshop is organized on an international scale, requiring meticulous and thorough preparation to ensure high-quality outcomes.

With anticipation for the realization of the cross-border economic and trade zone, there is hope for a dynamic economic region, a new growth pole for Quang Tri Province, Savannakhet Province, and the Vietnam-Laos border region. The zone is expected to contribute significantly to the economic output of both provinces and serve as a site for implementing new production models and projects. Additionally, the economic and trade zone will be a key area for the application of science and technology in production, business, vocational training, job creation, and income enhancement for local workers and surrounding communities.