On July 9, as part of his official visit to Laos, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung and his delegation attended a seminar titled "Leaders of the Vietnamese and Lao Governments with Enterprises." The event was also attended by Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith. This significant gathering served as a platform to evaluate past achievements while discussing solutions and orientations to further expand investment cooperation between the two nations in the coming years. Prior to the seminar, the two Deputy Prime Ministers held a highly successful bilateral meeting.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung highlighted Vietnam's rise as the 32nd largest economy in the world, ranking among the top 20 nations in terms of trade volume and Foreign Direct Investment attraction. He noted that Vietnam's GDP per capita in 2024 exceeded 4,700 USD, approaching the upper-middle-income threshold. Furthermore, the Vietnamese Party and State have set ambitious growth targets of 8% or higher by 2025 and double-digit growth for the 2026–2030 period, aiming to become a high-income country by 2045.

A notable highlight shared by the Deputy Prime Minister was Vietnam’s decisive efforts in administrative streamlining. As of July 1, 34 provinces and cities nationwide officially transitioned to a two-tier local government system, consisting of provincial and communal levels. This represents a historic milestone in Vietnam’s administrative reform process.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung highly commended the Lao Government for its vigorous reform efforts and initial positive successes. He particularly noted the decision by the Lao Politburo to establish the Investment Promotion Committee to directly support and resolve investment obstacles for businesses. He emphasized that this move demonstrates a profound, focused, and effective step forward in Laos's reform agenda.

Given the vast potential of Laos, the Deputy Prime Minister suggested several sectors for Vietnamese enterprises to explore and invest in, including energy—especially renewable energy—mining, high-tech agriculture, tourism, and the rubber industry. He requested that the Lao Government continue to create the most favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to contribute to the local economy. Wishing for the economic ties between the two countries to grow even stronger, he reminded Vietnamese businesses that once a promise is made, it must be kept; investments must be serious, responsible, and compliant with local laws to help nurture the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.

During the discussion, representatives from Vietnamese enterprises voiced specific proposals. Mr. Tran Cong Kha, Chairman of the Vietnam Rubber Group, proposed expanding rubber plantation projects and applying high technology in Laos. Meanwhile, Mr. Dao Ngoc Cuong, Deputy General Director of the Vietnam National Chemical Group, expressed a desire for the Lao Government to support mechanisms that shorten the approval time for feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments, as well as facilitate the recruitment of local labor and expedite site clearance.

In response, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith stated that Laos is actively streamlining its administrative system, reducing bureaucracy, and reforming investment promotion mechanisms. He acknowledged the determination and passion of Vietnamese investors and encouraged them to coordinate directly with the Investment Promotion Committee and relevant ministries to resolve any issues. He emphasized that cooperation is built on a foundation of special friendship and expressed hope for closer coordination on strategic key projects. Confirming that the Lao Government remains open and welcoming, he expressed his aspiration for Vietnam to become the top investor in Laos and for bilateral trade to reach the 5 billion USD target in the near future.