From 17 to 21 July 2025, the capital city of Vientiane, Laos, will host the Vietnam–Laos Trade Expo 2025 (VIETLAO EXPO 2025)—a major annual event that has become a hallmark of bilateral economic cooperation. This year’s expo will feature 250 booths, including 120 booths representing nearly 80 Vietnamese enterprises, showcasing a wide spectrum of products and services.

Vietnamese exhibitors will highlight diverse sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, processed foods, apparel and fashion, handicrafts, home and outdoor décor, plastics, and various consumer goods.

A Flagship Event in Bilateral Trade Promotion

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Trương Thanh Hoài emphasized that VIETLAO EXPO is the largest annual trade promotion initiative jointly organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Since its inception in 2007, the event has been co-chaired by both ministries, with the coordination of their respective Trade Promotion Agencies and related agencies.

The 2025 edition of the expo is designed to implement the directives of the two countries’ Politburos, realize commitments made in Joint Statements, and put into practice the high-level agreements reached during the 47th Meeting of the Vietnam–Laos Intergovernmental Committee held in January 2025, chaired by the Prime Ministers of both nations.

Promoting Trade, Expanding Markets

According to the Trade Promotion Agency, the Vietnamese business delegation’s participation aims to promote the image of Vietnam as a dynamic and reliable trade partner. It also seeks to boost exports, expand the distribution of Vietnamese goods in the Lao market, and tap into the Northeastern Thailand region. The expo serves as a platform to present the strengths, capabilities, and potential of Vietnamese enterprises across key economic sectors.

Over the years, the Vietnam–Laos Trade Expo has established itself as an effective bridge connecting trade organizations, manufacturers, and investors from both countries. It has facilitated technology transfer, joint ventures, co-investment, and contract signing. The 2025 edition will continue to feature business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking sessions, trade networking conferences, and promotional activities designed to foster long-term partnerships.

Laos as a Strategic Gateway

Vietnam consistently regards Laos as a vital gateway for domestic enterprises to penetrate ASEAN markets. The two nations share geographical proximity, convenient transportation links, and cultural and consumer similarities.

Their shared border stretches over 2,300 km, crossing multiple provinces and cities, and forms part of the strategically important East–West Economic Corridor. This corridor offers significant potential for logistics, trade, and cross-border investment.

Positive Trade Growth

In 2024, bilateral trade turnover between Vietnam and Laos reached USD 2.25 billion, a remarkable 38.2% increase compared to 2023. Vietnamese exports to Laos totaled USD 755.2 million (up 41.6%), while imports from Laos reached USD 1.5 billion (up 36.5%).

From the beginning of 2025 to date, bilateral economic relations have continued on an upward trajectory. Vietnam’s imports from Laos totaled USD 979 million, up 80.9% year-on-year, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 395.8 million—a 30.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Much of this growth can be attributed to the success of Vietnamese-invested enterprises operating in Laos.

Expanding and Deepening Investment

To date, Vietnamese enterprises have implemented 267 investment projects in Laos with total registered capital of USD 5.7 billion and realized capital of about USD 2.8 billion.

Investment flows from Vietnam to Laos are showing signs of renewed growth and a more sustainable direction. In 2024 alone, Vietnam registered USD 191.1 million in new investments—up 62.1% from 2023. Many of these projects have proven to be highly effective, contributing significantly to Laos’s socio-economic development. They have created thousands of jobs, improved incomes for local workers, supplemented state budget revenues, and contributed nearly USD 160 million to social welfare programs.

Overcoming Challenges, Building the Future

The business communities of both countries have consistently demonstrated resilience in overcoming difficulties, adapting to changes in regional and global economic conditions, and actively expanding investments and market reach. These efforts not only enhance competitiveness but also strengthen the fabric of bilateral economic cooperation.

The achievements in trade and investment are a clear reflection of the effectiveness of Vietnam–Laos economic collaboration. More importantly, they contribute to deepening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation that the two nations have nurtured for decades—an invaluable asset for both countries as they enter a new phase of development.