VIENTIANE: The governments of Laos and Vietnam have agreed to speed up joint ventures that will boost regional connectivity and economic growth, especially the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway, the Laos-Vietnam railway, and the Vung Ang seaport.
Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith met his Vietnamese counterpart, Ho Duc Phoc, in Vientiane on Wednesday (Nov 12) during the latter’s official visit to Laos from November 12-13. The meeting reaffirmed the strong friendship and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The deputy PMs discussed ways to accelerate implementation of the decisions made at their Politburo meetings and under the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Agreement for 2025, which have seen progress in areas such as politics, defence, education, trade and investment.
The two deputy premiers placed a strong emphasis on expediting construction of the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway, which will serve as a key regional corridor for transport and trade.
The expressway will consist of two main sections: a 126-kilometre stretch from Nongpaen village in Vientiane to Pakxan district, and another section from Pakxan district to the Laos-Vietnam border in Xaychamphon district, Bolikhamxay province.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing construction of the Laos-Vietnam railway, which will link Vientiane with Vietnam’s Vung Ang seaport in Ha Tinh province.
The railway will give Laos direct access to maritime trade routes and reduce transport costs, strengthening its role as a land-linked nation.
The two sides reviewed progress on the Vung Ang Port projects 1, 2 and 3, which are vital to support cargo shipments and expand logistics capacity between the two countries.
The meeting also addressed issues concerning investment cooperation, particularly in relation to the potassium salt mine in Khammuan province and the rubber plantation operated by the Vietnam Rubber Group.
The two sides agreed to continue frank discussions to find practical solutions that ensure mutual benefit.
Saleumxay and Ho Duc Phoc agreed to maintain close links between ministries and other government agencies to effectively monitor and advance all cooperation projects.
They also discussed the upcoming state visit to Laos by the General Secretary of Vietnam’s Communist Party, To Lam, who will take part in the 50th anniversary celebration of Laos’ National Day and the next meeting between the two Politburos.
At the end of the year, Laos will host the 48th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos intergovernmental committee for bilateral cooperation to review progress and set new directions for future collaboration.
Later the same day, Ho Duc Phoc and his delegation called on President Thongloun Sisoulith, who praised the visit as an important step in advancing cooperation projects and preparing for To Lam’s visit.
President Thongloun conveyed cordial greetings to Vietnam’s senior leaders and expressed deep sympathy over the damage and flooding caused by recent storms.
He and Ho Duc Phoc exchanged views on socio-economic developments in their respective countries and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in politics, defence, security, and foreign affairs.
The two leaders underscored the need to strengthen economic and transport links, enhance education and training, and foster a strong sense of solidarity between the younger generations of Laos and Vietnam.
Ho Duc Phoc and his delegation will also monitor construction of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Park in Vientiane, which symbolises the enduring solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the parties, states, and peoples of Laos and Vietnam. - Vientiane Times/ANN
