VIENTIANE: The Laos-Vietnam Trade Fair 2026 officially opened at the Lao-ITECC Exhibition and Convention Centre in Vientiane on July 16, reaffirming the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.
Jointly organised by the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Laos, and the Trade Promotion Agency, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, the annual exhibition has become one of the most significant bilateral trade events, promoting economic cooperation, investment and commercial partnerships between the two neighbours.
The exhibition serves as a dynamic platform for businesses to showcase products, expand market opportunities, strengthen supply chains, and establish new commercial partnerships. It also reflects the continued commitment of both governments to enhance bilateral trade and support sustainable economic growth.
A major highlight of this year’s event is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Office of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Laos and Viet Lao AZ Joint Stock Company for developing the Vietnam-Laos E-Commerce Platform Project.
The initiative is expected to accelerate digital trade, improve market access for enterprises, and contribute to the shared objective of increasing bilateral trade to US$10 billion by 2030.
Another significant agreement will be signed between the Vietnam National Chemical Group and Phongsavanh Group, further strengthening industrial cooperation and creating new opportunities for investment and business collaboration.
During the first six months of 2026, Vietnamese investments in Laos reached nearly US$600 million, representing an increase of more than 4.2 times compared with the same period in 2025, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Phoudthavan Nanthavong, said at the opening of the exhibition. Most of these investments are concentrated in mining, electricity, energy and agriculture.
This year’s exhibition has attracted exceptional participation from the business communities of both countries, and features more than 250 booths representing 140 companies from Laos and Vietnam.
Visitors can explore a diverse range of products, including processed agricultural goods, handicrafts, silk and textile items, garments, food and beverages, furniture, OTOP products, medical supplies, chemicals, fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and many other high-quality items.
Beyond the exhibition halls, visitors can enjoy daily Lao and Vietnamese cultural performances, and take part in promotional activities, product demonstrations, business matching sessions, and networking events designed to connect manufacturers, importers, exporters, distributors and investors.
Running from July 16 to 20, the five-day exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors, business leaders, entrepreneurs and investors seeking new opportunities in one of Southeast Asia’s most promising bilateral trade partnerships. - Vientiane Times/ANN
