Delegates cut the ribbon to open the 2024 Vietnam-Laos Trade Fair.

On the evening of October 23, in Phonsavanh Town, Xiengkhouang Province, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Luang Prabang, in cooperation with northern Lao provinces, several Vietnamese provinces, the Vietnam Cultural Center in Laos, the Vietnam 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 traditional day of Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts in Laos (October 30, 1949 - October 30, 2024). It also supports Laos's 2024 tourism year by promoting and introducing cultural and tourism products, as well as OCOP (One Commune One Product) and ODOP (One District One Product) agricultural products from Vietnam and Laos, contributing to the promotion of trade and socio-economic development in northern Laos and the border areas between Vietnam and Laos.

Attending the event were representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, leaders from northern Lao provinces, leaders from Dien Bien, Son La, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An provinces, representatives from the Liaison Board of Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and military experts in Laos, representatives from the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association, business representatives from both countries, and a large number of the Vietnamese community in Laos and Lao citizens.

 Introduction booth of the Consulate General of Vietnam in Luang Prabang and the Vietnam Cultural Center in Laos.

Speaking at the event, the Consul General of Vietnam in Luang Prabang, Kieu Thi Hang Phuc, stated that recently, in line with the strong and extensive integration trend and in accordance with the foreign policy of the two Parties and States, ministries, sectors, localities, and enterprises from both countries have actively coordinated and effectively implemented cooperation agreements, achieving many positive results in various fields, including economic and trade cooperation, contributing to the stability and economic development of each country.

In the first seven months of 2024, bilateral trade 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 an important source of products and raw materials for production for the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in general and for Vietnam in particular.

In terms of tourism, Laos has become an attractive and favored destination for a large number of Vietnamese tourists and visitors from around the world.

In his speech at the event, Buangern Humxayaphom, Vice Chairman of the Xiengkhouang Provincial People's Committee, emphasized that this is not only an opportunity to promote the image of the country, its people, and culture of Vietnam and Laos, but also a chance for businesses from both countries to meet, interact, share, seek cooperation, investment opportunities, technology transfer, joint ventures, and partnerships to promote exports and imports and expand the distribution network for goods and products.

This trade fair features over 20 booths from Vietnamese provinces and several booths from districts in Xiengkhouang and other Lao provinces, showcasing a variety of items such as handicrafts, arts and crafts, fashion, cuisine, and furniture.

The booth of the Consulate General of Vietnam in Luang Prabang and the Vietnam Cultural Center in Laos displayed numerous photos depicting the historical relationship between Vietnam and Laos, images of Vietnamese military experts in Laos, publications on Vietnam tourism, especially a photo and books in Lao about the great President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and the beloved President Souphanouvong, which attracted a large number of delegates and visitors.

Additionally, visitors to the booths enjoyed artistic performances celebrating love for the homeland, the great friendship, and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, as well as traditional dances performed by the Xiengkhouang Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism and related units.

The fair will remain open until October 25.