VIENTIANE: The governments of Laos and Vietnam agreed to speed up major infrastructure and economic cooperation projects when the two Prime Ministers met for talks in Vientiane on Feb 5.
Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone received the Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the Prime Minister’s Office, when the latter accompanied the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, on a state visit to Laos.
The two Prime Ministers reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed plans for the future. They noted that relations between Laos and Vietnam continue to grow across all sectors, especially in political affairs, foreign relations, and defence and security.
They highlighted progress made on strategic projects, with several already completed and handed over for use, while others are continuing with the aim of strengthening economic links between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to continue with other key projects, including the Laos-Vietnam railway and the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway. They also agreed to expand cooperation in the fields of energy and minerals, education, culture, digitalisation, and trade and investment.
Work on the expressway is already underway. The contractor employed on Section 2 said construction is progressing steadily on the 203.8-km stretch from Pakxan district to the Laos-Vietnam border in Xaychamphon district in Bolikhamxay province, which is expected to improve cross-border transport and trade.
The President of 3S Development Co., Ltd., Mr Phonepaseuth Inthasone, told reporters the consortium received government approval to sign a concession agreement in October 2025, marking the official start of construction.
Machinery has been deployed along much of the route and work in the border area is expected to begin after the coming rainy season.
The consortium aims to complete the project by 2029, within a four-year timeframe, by carrying out bridge work and road construction in parallel sections and bringing in additional machinery and labour to accelerate progress.
Prime Minister Sonexay welcomed the Vietnamese Prime Minister and said the meeting reflected the high priority both countries place on preserving and strengthening the special Laos-Vietnam relationship.
On behalf of the Party, State and multi-ethnic Lao people, Dr Sonexay expressed gratitude to Vietnam for its support and assistance to Laos over many years.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh thanked the Lao side for the warm reception and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to work closely with Laos to fulfil signed agreements and deliver concrete results for the benefit of the people of both countries. - Vientiane Times/ANN
