On March 7, in an atmosphere of special friendship and solidarity, Mr. Le Van Hieu, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Hai Duong Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, and Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation, along with his counterpart Mr. Bun Son Phet la Van, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Vientiane Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, engaged in discussions and reached an agreement on several areas of cooperation between the sister provinces of Hai Duong and Vientiane for the coming period.

The year 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of friendly relations between Hai Duong Province and Vientiane Province (1984–2024). The two provinces have agreed to organize a commemorative event for this milestone. Leveraging Hai Duong's strengths, Mr. Le Van Hieu expressed the province's willingness to support Vientiane in its economic and social development, particularly given the favorable legal framework provided by the Vietnamese government. The two provinces will sign a cooperation agreement at an appropriate time to advance their joint programs. The parties anticipate focusing on areas of cooperation including:

Efforts will be made to facilitate exchanges between the Party, government, and mass organizations of both sides, enabling them to share experiences, support each other in Party and government building, and train officials. Additionally, cultural exchanges and participation in major cultural events and festivals in both localities will be encouraged.

In the field of education, from 2024 to 2027, Hai Duong Province will welcome a number of high school graduates from Vientiane to learn Vietnamese, with plans to then enroll them in universities, colleges, and vocational schools in Hai Duong.

Both sides agreed to facilitate information exchange regarding investment environments, potentials, and strengths, creating favorable conditions for investors from each side to access information easily and support their business activities.

Efforts will be increased to enhance professional skills and mutual assistance in investment, trade, and technology. Cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, justice, and youth work will be promoted. Both sides will create favorable conditions for Hai Duong's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Vientiane's Department of Information, Culture and Tourism; and Vientiane's Department of Education and Sports to conduct cultural, artistic, sports, and tourism exchanges. This will aim to showcase the traditional cultural heritage and the people of both countries. Initiatives will include surveying tourism routes and sites, leveraging tourism potential, and developing promotional programs to attract tourists from Vientiane to Hai Duong and vice versa. Further cooperation is also anticipated in other areas such as supporting Vientiane in building infrastructure.

On this occasion, the provinces of Hai Duong and Vientiane reviewed their past cooperation outcomes and shared updates on the economic and social conditions, as well as political system development of the two localities.

In recent years, exchanges and cooperation between the two provinces have faced challenges due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, both localities have largely completed their planned activities, including workforce training, promoting tourism development, cultural exchanges, and delegation exchanges. Some sectors have signed and implemented cooperation agreements. Both sides have also reviewed areas where progress was lacking and are seeking solutions for future implementation.

Vientiane Province, located near the capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, has a population of over 481,000 people and is primarily mountainous, with significant socio-economic challenges. During the visit, the delegation donated 100 million VND to Vientiane Province to support educational promotion and social welfare efforts.

On the same day, Deputy Secretary of the Hai Duong Provincial Party Committee, Le Van Hieu, and the delegation conducted a site survey at several facilities in Vientiane Province. The delegation, led by Deputy Secretary Le Van Hieu, included Vu Hong Hien, Member of the Standing Committee and Head of the Provincial Inspection Committee; Nguyen Minh Hung, Provincial Party Committee Member and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Nguyen Thi Viet Nga, Provincial Party Committee Member and Vice Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation; as well as leaders from various provincial departments, agencies, and districts.

The visit has deepened and enhanced cooperation between Hai Duong and Vientiane, contributing to the consolidation and development of the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos.