VIENTIANE: The value of two-way trade between Laos and Vietnam reached US$1.47 billion in the first seven months of 2026, as the two countries made progress on road, railway and energy links to boost their economic growth.
Laos exported goods worth about US$1 billion to Vietnam during the period, while imports from Vietnam amounted to US$420 million.
The figures were cited at the 2026 mid-term meeting of the Laos-Vietnam and Vietnam-Laos Joint Cooperation Committees, according to the Ministry of Finance.
The meeting, held in Danang City, Vietnam, on August 27, highlighted progress in strategic infrastructure developments, including the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, the Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway and a proposed 500kV transmission line between the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane, Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, and Vietnam’s Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan, Chairman of the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Committee, co-chaired the meeting.
Delegations from ministries, central agencies and local authorities of both countries also attended.
The two sides reviewed the implementation of the 2026 cooperation plan during the first eight months of the year, assessed achievements and outstanding issues, and agreed on priority measures for the remaining months of 2026.
Officials said they highly valued the progress made, noting that the targets set in the cooperation plan had basically been met.
Particular attention was paid to strengthening economic links through infrastructure projects. The two sides agreed to pursue development of the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway and Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway, along with warehouse and oil pipeline projects and cross-border electricity trading.
Research into the proposed 500kV transmission line linking Laos and Vietnam is also continuing as the two countries seek to strengthen energy connectivity.
These projects are expected to enhance trade and investment, strengthen links between the two economies, and contribute to broader socio-economic development.
The meeting also noted progress in several Vietnamese-supported projects in Laos, including the Xaysomboun Provincial Agricultural Technical Centre, the Savannakhet Provincial Technical and Vocational School, and expansion of Vangvieng district hospital and the Laos-Vietnam Friendship University.
The two sides also reviewed a number of outstanding issues and agreed to continue to address difficulties and ensure that agreed projects and programmes are implemented effectively.
Looking ahead, Laos and Vietnam agreed to fulfil the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Plan for 2026-2030 by translating intergovernmental agreements into detailed work programmes in line with guidance from the senior leadership of both countries.
Priority will be given to strengthening cooperation in politics and foreign affairs, creating favourable conditions for major investment projects by Vietnamese enterprises in Laos, accelerating strategic infrastructure connectivity and further increasing bilateral trade.
The two countries have identified the development of major transport and infrastructure links as a key part of their broader effort to deepen economic cooperation and bring them closer in other ways. - Vientiane Times/ANN
