The Vietnam - Laos Trade Fair 2024 aims to promote and introduce cultural and tourism products, as well as OCOP (One Commune, One Product) and ODOP (One District, One Product) agricultural products from Vietnam and Laos. This initiative contributes to boosting trade and developing the socio-economic landscape in Northern Laos and border localities between Vietnam and Laos. On the evening of October 23, in Phonsavanh town, Xiengkhouang province, the Vietnamese Consulate General in Luang Prabang, in collaboration with Northern Lao provinces, several Vietnamese provinces, the Vietnamese Cultural Center in Laos, the Vietnamese Business Association in Northern Laos, and the Vietnam Consumer Goods Development Association, organized the Vietnam - Laos Trade Fair 2024.

This event is part of a series of activities celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Vietnam Volunteer Army and Experts in Laos (October 30, 1949 - October 30, 2024), in support of Laos' Tourism Year 2024.

 Cut the ribbon to open the fair.

Attending the event were representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, leaders from Northern Lao provinces, leaders from the Vietnamese provinces of Dien Bien, Son La, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, representatives from the Liaison Committee of Vietnam's Volunteer Army and Military Experts in Laos, representatives from the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association, representatives from businesses of both countries, along with a large number of the Vietnamese community in Laos and Lao citizens.

Speaking at the event, Kiều Thị Hằng Phúc, the Consul General of Vietnam in Luang Prabang, noted that in recent times, alongside the strong and widespread trend of integration, and in accordance with the foreign policies of the two Parties and States, ministries, sectors, localities, and businesses from both countries have proactively coordinated and actively implemented cooperative agreements, achieving many positive results across all fields, including economic and trade cooperation, contributing to the stability and economic development of each country.

 The public visits the booth at the fair.

In the first seven months of 2024, the bilateral trade turnover between the two countries reached 1.1 billion USD, an increase of 16.7% compared to the same period in 2023. Laos is gradually becoming one of the important suppliers of products and materials for production to the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in general and Vietnam in particular. In terms of tourism, Laos has become an attractive destination favored by many tourists from Vietnam and other countries around the world.

The Vietnam - Laos Trade Fair 2024 features more than 20 exhibition booths showcasing products from several provinces of Vietnam and Laos. The fair aims to promote and introduce cultural and tourism products as well as agricultural products from both countries, contributing to boosting trade and socio-economic development in Northern Laos and localities along the shared border of the two countries. It also provides the people of Xiengkhouang province and visitors with opportunities to access unique products while promoting the scenic spots and tourist destinations of both countries.

This trade fair serves as an opportunity to promote the national and business image, facilitating meetings for businesses and trade organizations, manufacturers, investors from both countries to exchange experiences, transfer technology, invest, form joint ventures, and enhance import and export activities, expanding the distribution network of goods and products.

The Vietnam - Laos Trade Fair 2024 will last until October 25.