Viet Nam, Laos target US$10 bln in bilateral trade

The host congratulated the Vietnamese leader for being honored with the Lao National Gold Order, a noble reward from the Lao Party and State in recognition of his contribution to the bilateral relations.

Siphandone vowed to direct Lao ministries, sectors, localities, and relevant agencies to create more favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises operating in the country.

The General Secretary, for his part, reiterated that Viet Nam always gives the top priority to enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos.

The guest suggested that the two sides continue reinforcing political trust, maintain high-level mutual visits and contacts, and ensure the successful organization of the 48th Viet Nam–Laos Intergovernmental Committee meeting.

He emphasized the need to step up collaboration in key areas including strategic connectivity in development visions, spatial and infrastructure integration, economic corridors, logistics, energy, and green transition.

The countries should strengthen transport and energy linkages, and raise bilateral trade to US$5 billion, with a longer-term target of US$10 billion, he said, calling for stronger collaboration to maintain political and social stability, and effective border management.

He affirmed Viet Nam's commitment to supporting Laos in developing human resources, especially training strategic-level leaders and key management personnel.

The Party General Secretary also called on both sides to promote education on the traditional special solidarity between the two nations, particularly among the youth, and expand local-level cooperation, especially in the provinces of security and economic significance and border localities.

The two sides should enhance information sharing, coordination, and mutual support at international and regional forums as well as subregional mechanisms while deepening ASEAN cooperation, strengthening ASEAN's unity and centrality, and maintaining the bloc's common voice on strategic regional issues, he proposed.

Both sides pledged to strengthen political trust and work closely to ensure security, safety, and socio-political stability in each nation.

Both host and guest praised the efforts by relevant ministries in advancing and completing some notable projects that mark the visit, including the opening of the Viet Nam–Laos Friendship Park in Vientiane and the inauguration of the Friendship Hospital in Houaphanh province./.