On the afternoon of April 2, 2025, the Vietnam–Laos Trade and Investment Promotion Conference took place at the Savan ITEC Exhibition Center in Savannakhet Province, Laos. The event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen economic collaboration and deepen the long-standing ties between the two neighboring countries.

The conference was attended by an impressive delegation of senior leaders and officials from both nations. Among them were Mr. Sensak Soulyshack, Member of the Standing Committee of the Savannakhet Provincial Party Committee and Vice Governor of Savannakhet Province; Mr. Khampoui Sibounheuang, Director of the Savannakhet Department of Planning and Investment; Ms. Nguyễn Trần Phượng Trân, Member of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and Deputy Head of the 15th National Assembly Delegation from Ho Chi Minh City; Ms. Đặng Thị Hải Tâm, Consul General of Vietnam in Savannakhet; Mr. Đào Minh Chánh, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC); and Mr. Nguyễn Minh Nhựt, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports. Also in attendance were numerous representatives from government ministries, industry associations, and leading enterprises from both Vietnam and Laos.

Strengthening a Time-Honored Relationship

In her opening remarks, Ms. Nguyễn Trần Phượng Trân reaffirmed the enduring and comprehensive relationship between Vietnam and Laos, which is rooted in deep mutual trust, solidarity, and cooperation. She emphasized that Ho Chi Minh City places great importance on fostering ties with Laotian provinces, particularly with Savannakhet, a region with strong historical and economic linkages to the city.

Over the years, this relationship has grown in scope and depth, with robust development across multiple sectors—most notably in trade and investment. Ho Chi Minh City has actively pursued collaborative initiatives with Laotian provinces, contributing not only to bilateral economic growth but also to regional stability and prosperity.

Laos: Vietnam’s Top Foreign Investment Destination

By the end of 2024, Laos had become Vietnam’s largest overseas investment destination, with numerous projects successfully launched and generating significant economic returns. These investments have not only created jobs and enhanced infrastructure in Laos, but have also helped strengthen economic integration between the two nations.

The Vietnamese business community in Laos continues to expand, supported by favorable policies, close diplomatic ties, and mutual recognition of shared development goals. The positive performance of these projects has underscored the value of strategic cooperation and reinforced Laos’s role as a key economic partner of Vietnam in the region.

A Platform for Business Dialogue and Policy Exchange

The 2025 Vietnam–Laos Trade and Investment Promotion Conference served as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration. Delegates from both countries engaged in in-depth discussions on potential areas for cooperation, including foreign direct investment, cross-border trade, tourism development, and policy innovation.

Participants also shared experiences in implementing investment strategies and discussed ways to improve the business environment, enhance connectivity, and leverage each other’s strengths to foster sustainable growth. The event highlighted the shared commitment to creating a more open, dynamic, and investor-friendly ecosystem.

A particular focus was placed on the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and the importance of improving infrastructure connectivity—especially between Laos and southern Vietnam. Delegates discussed upcoming development zones, industrial clusters, and incentives aimed at attracting foreign investors, particularly from the manufacturing, energy, logistics, and tourism sectors.

Unlocking New Opportunities, Strengthening Regional Integration

The conference opened doors for businesses from both countries to explore emerging opportunities and forge new partnerships. Attendees were introduced to Laos’s latest investment invitation policies, including priority sectors for foreign capital, government support mechanisms, and regulatory reforms designed to ease market entry.

Vietnamese enterprises expressed strong interest in expanding operations in Laos, especially in sectors such as renewable energy, agribusiness, education, and infrastructure. Conversely, Laotian companies also explored prospects for collaboration with Vietnamese partners in supply chain integration, tourism promotion, and cultural exchange.

By facilitating meaningful connections and knowledge exchange, the conference contributed significantly to the long-term vision of building a shared economic future—one that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient in the face of global challenges.

A Vision for the Future: Shared Growth, Shared Responsibility

As the conference concluded, the message was clear: the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos is not only a historical legacy but a strategic partnership for the future. It is a partnership grounded in mutual respect and driven by shared aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity.

Events like this highlight the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation. They reflect the will of both governments and peoples to build a stronger, more integrated ASEAN region, with Vietnam and Laos playing a central role.

The 2025 Vietnam–Laos Trade and Investment Promotion Conference not only strengthened the foundations of existing ties but also paved the way for new forms of cooperation. As both countries step confidently into the future, the spirit of friendship and partnership that has long defined their relationship continues to serve as a guiding light—illuminating the path to a brighter, more connected, and prosperous Southeast Asia.