13th Vietnam-Laos border trade cooperation conference held in Quang Ninh

The 13th Vietnam-Laos Border Trade Development Cooperation Conference was jointly organized by the Ministries of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and Laos under the co-chairmanship of Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and Minister Malaythong Kommasith.

The event gathered senior officials including Deputy Ministers Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan and Chanthanoun Soukaloun, Ambassadors Nguyen Minh Tam and Khamphao Ernthavanh, Quang Ninh Chairman Bui Van Khang, along with leaders from ministries, departments, and border provinces of both countries.

Strengthening cooperation and lifting border trade to a new level

Addressing the opening session, Vietnamese Minister Nguyen Hong Dien highlighted that since the previous conference in 2022, economic and trade cooperation between the two nations, particularly border trade has achieved remarkable growth despite global economic and political challenges.

According to Minister Dien, bilateral trade turnover from 2022 to 2025 increased 1.6 times compared to the previous period, surpassing the target set by senior leaders of both countries. Vietnamese investment in Laos has also expanded significantly, with several large-scale projects contributing to socio-economic development in border regions.

However, he emphasized that the potential for bilateral trade and investment remains vast, and this year’s conference serves as a crucial step to fully unlock those opportunities.

Four key issues for discussion

First, Minister Dien called for a comprehensive review of progress and challenges in bilateral cooperation. Delegates were urged to identify obstacles, particularly subjective causes and propose feasible measures to facilitate cross-border trade, improve customs clearance, and support enterprises.

Second, the Minister underscored the importance of strengthening the legal framework. Although Vietnam and Laos already enjoy preferential trade treatment under their bilateral and border trade agreements, further revisions are needed to maximize benefits. He urged participants to offer concrete recommendations to support both ministries in future negotiations to amend and supplement these agreements.

Third, Minister Dien highlighted the growing role of innovation and digital transformation in trade activities. With rapid advances in science and technology, both governments and enterprises must adapt to capture new opportunities. He proposed stronger cooperation in e-commerce, smart border management, and digital logistics.

Fourth, the Minister stressed the need for policies that ensure stable sources of goods and sustainable infrastructure development. He encouraged discussions on measures to attract investment in production and processing for export, especially in border areas, and to enhance transportation and logistics systems.

“On the foundation of great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between our two Parties, States and peoples, I believe this conference will mark an important milestone, opening a new phase of more effective and sustainable cooperation, consistent with the spirit of integration, innovation, and green growth,” Minister Dien affirmed.

Also delivering opening remarks, Lao Minister Malaythong Kommasith emphasized that border trade cooperation between Laos and Vietnam holds not only economic but also political, cultural, and social significance.

“It is the lifeline of our great friendship and a driving force for stable, sustainable development in both countries. For Laos, cooperation with Vietnam provides opportunities to expand markets and diversify supply sources. For Vietnam, it opens greater access to the Lao market and beyond,” the Lao Minister stated.

Five major results and six orientations for future cooperation

After more than three hours of intensive discussion, the conference recorded 12 interventions from delegates representing ministries, localities, and enterprises of both countries. Summarizing the discussions, Minister Dien noted five key results:

First, bilateral trade reached a record USD 2 billion in 2024, the highest ever, and continues to rise in 2025. Second, border markets and border-gate economic zones have been upgraded, facilitating trade and services for residents. Third, trade promotion and business networking activities have become more dynamic, helping products from each country penetrate deeper into the other’s market. Fourth, coordination between ministries, sectors, and localities in managing border trade has become more efficient. Fifth, cooperation in investment, tourism, and cross-currency transactions has expanded, contributing to socio-economic stability in border regions.

However, the Minister also acknowledged remaining challenges such as small-scale border trade, limited processing capacity, underdeveloped logistics, and uneven infrastructure.

To address these, the two Ministers agreed on six orientations for future cooperation: Effectively implement high-level agreements between the two Politburos and integrate today’s recommendations into upcoming bilateral action plans; Review, amend, and improve legal and policy frameworks on investment and border trade to align with current realities and international practices; Enhance information exchange and policy dialogue at all levels to swiftly resolve emerging issues and promote sustainable trade growth; Implement existing agreements, such as the Border Trade Agreement and Bilateral Trade Agreement while prioritizing infrastructure development at border gates and logistics centers; Promote digital transformation and “smart border gate” models, streamline procedures, and aim to raise bilateral trade turnover to USD 5-7 billion in the coming years; Strengthen coordination between government bodies and enterprises to turn the Vietnam-Laos border into a border of peace, friendship, and cooperation.

Signing of key cooperation documentsAt the conclusion of the conference, the Ministers of Industry and Trade of both countries exchanged the official minutes and witnessed the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between key departments: MoU on import-export cooperation between the Export-Import Department (Vietnam) and the Foreign Trade Department (Laos); MoU on domestic market development between the Domestic Market Department (Vietnam) and the Internal Trade Department (Laos).

Both sides also presented Certificates of Merit to organizations and individuals who made outstanding contributions to promoting bilateral trade relations.

Earlier the same day, Ministers Nguyen Hong Dien and Malaythong Kommasith visited the TC Motor Viet Hung automobile manufacturing plant, symbolizing the growing industrial cooperation between the two nations.