The Vietnam-Laos Trade Fair (VietLao Expo) 2023 commenced on July 27 at the Laos International Exhibition and Convention Center (Lao-Itecc) in the capital city of Vientiane. This event, featuring approximately 250 booths showcasing goods from Vietnamese and Lao enterprises, is the largest trade promotion event between the two countries. It is co-chaired by the Ministries of Industry and Trade from both Vietnam and Laos and organized annually by the Trade Promotion Departments in collaboration with relevant agencies.

During the opening ceremony, Lao Minister of Industry and Trade, Malaythong Kommasith, highlighted the significance of the Vietnam-Laos Trade Fair as a collaborative effort to promote economic, trade, investment, and tourism cooperation. The fair aims to strengthen the cooperative relationship between the two countries' governments, businesses, and people. Minister Malaythong expressed his hope that the 2023 fair would enhance trade between Vietnam and Laos, foster cooperation and exchange, and create new business models in the current volatile economic landscape.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, Nguyen Ba Hung, described the fair as a prestigious event for Vietnamese and Lao businesses to promote and showcase their products. It serves as a platform for trade and investment cooperation between the two countries' markets. Ambassador Nguyen Ba Hung expressed his delight that the 2023 fair would feature a wide range of diverse and high-quality goods that meet the consumer needs of both markets.

The fair will see the participation of hundreds of businesses from Vietnam and Laos, demonstrating the interest and trust of the business communities in both countries in strengthening Vietnam-Laos trade relations. Ambassador Nguyen Ba Hung expressed his confidence in the success of the 2023 Vietnam-Laos Trade Fair, emphasizing its contribution to enhancing solidarity and cooperation between the people and businesses of the two countries.

The Vietnam-Laos Trade Fair 2023 (VietLao Expo 2023) will run from July 27 to 31, operating daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Laos International Exhibition and Convention Center (Lao-Itecc) in Vientiane.

The fair will feature approximately 250 booths, with the Vietnam Pavilion comprising 120 standard booths representing over 60 reputable businesses and traders. The showcased products will span various industries, including pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, processed foods, garment-fashion, handicrafts, interior and exterior decoration, plastic products, and consumer goods.

In addition to product displays and commercial transactions between Vietnamese and Lao businesses, the fair will host activities such as cooperation agreements signing, face-to-face and online trade connection conferences, performing arts, and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Laos.