Vietnam and Laos Strategize for Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation at Upcoming Intergovernmental Meeting.

VIENTIANE: Representatives from the Governments of Vietnam and Laos convened in Vientiane on November 12 to strategize for the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, slated for early next year in Laos. The meeting was attended by key figures including Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Tran Quoc Phuong, and his Lao counterpart, Viengsavanh Vilayphone, along with representatives from both countries' embassies, departments, and agencies. According to Lao News Agency, Phuong emphasized Vietnam's commitment to nurturing the special relationship with Laos, describing it as a priceless asset crucial to both nations' revolutionary causes. He expressed hopes for continued alignment with agreements made by senior leaders and the annual cooperation plan. Both nations aim to fulfill the Vietnam-Laos cooperation plan for 2024 and 2025 by enhancing economic connectivity, developing legal frameworks, and fostering a supportive environment for security-def ense projects. The countries target a 10-15% growth in trade turnover and are keen on strengthening trade promotion, branding, and distribution channels to ensure sustainable market presence. The meeting also covered topics such as power imports, education, national defense, border management, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people interactions. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to mutual support at international forums, emphasizing ASEAN's role in sub-regional cooperation and regional integration. They encouraged investment in the Mekong Sub-region in areas like infrastructure, clean energy, climate adaptation, and digital transformation. Concluding the meeting, the representatives agreed on draft documents including the Minutes of the 47th Meeting and the Agreement on the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Plan for 2025.