The Party, State, Government, and people of Laos extended a warm, sincere, and heartfelt reception to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Vietnamese delegation, reflecting the deep and enduring solidarity and special friendship between the two nations. Leaders of the Lao Party, State, and social-political organisations highly praised Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit, noting that the choice of Laos as the first destination for an overseas visit in 2025 demonstrates the special affection that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam, as well as the prime minister himself, hold for their Lao counterparts.
Immediately upon arriving at Wattay International Airport, the prime minister proceeded directly to the Laos National Convention Centre to co-chair the meeting along with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. The Lao leader personally greeted Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh right at the lobby and took the opportunity to introduce him to an exhibition showcasing signature products from Lao provinces.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone could not hide his joy as he warmly congratulated Vietnam on its remarkable socio-economic achievements in 2024. He also extended heartfelt congratulations on the Vietnam national football team’s victory at the 2024 ASEAN Cup. Despite the Lao team exiting the tournament early, he remarked that Laos shared in the joy of Vietnam’s triumph.
The two prime ministers expressed delight at the successful cooperation across various fields. They also emphasised that the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos continue to grow deeper with strong bonds of trust, playing a pivotal and overarching role in bilateral relations.
High-level leaders from both countries have frequently engaged in exchanges and interactions through various formats. A testament to this is the fact that the two prime ministers met seven times in 2024 alone. Prime Ministers Pham Minh Chinh and Sonexay Siphandone dedicated significant time to discussing and expressing their determination to boost trade growth, aiming for bilateral trade turnover to increase by 10-15% in 2025 compared to 2024, with a long-term goal of reaching 5 billion USD.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone affirmed that the Lao Government would provide preferential and favourable conditions for major and priority projects by Vietnamese enterprises. He also stated that Laos would review and adjust regulations related to project timelines in sectors such as hydropower and mining to align with the new context.
Notably, both sides focused on addressing difficulties, resolving obstacles, and promoting the implementation of transportation infrastructure connectivity. They explored resource mobilisation options for key projects such as the Hanoi–Vientiane Expressway and the Vung Ang–Vientiane Railway. Efforts were also directed toward accelerating the completion of Vung Ang 1, 2 and 3 port projects, contributing to the robust execution of the strategy to "transform Laos from a landlocked country into a land-linked nation".
As a result of the sincere and determined efforts of both parties, the meeting concluded with resounding success, yielding concrete outcomes and achievements. Many outstanding issues were definitively resolved, and directions for bilateral cooperation in 2025 were established. These results provide new momentum for the Vietnam-Laos partnership as well as fostering deeper, more substantive, trustworthy, and effective cooperation. They also contribute to the continued strengthening of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone affirmed that the Lao Government provides preferential and favourable conditions for major and key projects undertaken by Vietnamese enterprises. He also noted that Laos is reviewing and adjusting regulations related to project timelines in the hydropower and mining sectors to align with the current context.
Vietnam-Laos investment cooperation is also a highly significant focus of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit. In this spirit, the 2025 Vietnam-Laos Investment Cooperation Conference, themed "Promoting sustainable and prosperous development together", serves as a key event at the start of the new year. It conveys the determination and message of the two governments to the business communities about enhancing the practical effectiveness of Vietnam-Laos economic, trade, and investment cooperation in 2025 and beyond.
In 2024, economic, trade, and investment cooperation received considerable attention, resulting in notable achievements. To date, Vietnamese enterprises have invested in 267 projects in Laos, with total registered capital of 5.7 billion USD and implemented capital reaching approximately 2.8 billion USD.
Notably, Vietnam’s investment in Laos has shown signs of sustainable growth, with contributions from Vietnamese businesses in taxes and other financial obligations to the Lao Government averaging around 200 million USD annually over the past five years.
In 2024, economic, trade, and investment cooperation received considerable attention, resulting in notable achievements. To date, Vietnamese enterprises have invested in 267 projects in Laos, with total registered capital of 5.7 billion USD and implemented capital reaching approximately 2.8 billion USD.
At this important event, the prime minister expressed that Vietnam and Laos are two geographically close neighbouring countries as well as have close historical, cultural, and emotional bond.
On the other hand, Vietnam has a market of over 100 million people, while Laos has a market of over 8 million people. These are favourable conditions and significant advantages for businesses from both countries to cooperate, produce, and do business.
The Vietnamese government leader affirmed that investment in production and business in Laos is also an investment for Vietnam, and vice versa.
In the business activities between the business communities of the two countries, there are not only profits, but also feelings, responsibility, and a practical way to pay tribute to previous generations. Special relations require special mechanisms and treatment, “from heart to heart”, “helping friends is helping oneself”, “what comes from the heart will reach the heart”. The prime minister sincerely expressed and called for the two countries’ businesses to continue to unite, work together, support each other, persist, remain determined, and take action to strengthen investment and business cooperation with all their enthusiasm and capabilities.
The Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh strongly affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State always prioritise and place great importance on preserving and developing the friendly relations with Laos. It can be said that the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos is of decisive significance in the construction and development of both countries.
The clear and concise message delivered by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was enthusiastically supported and agreed upon by the business communities of both countries. For his part, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone confirmed that the Lao Government is always actively encouraging and promoting Vietnam’s investment in sectors and industries that align with the country's development plans and priorities. At the same time, the Lao Government is considering the application of specific policies to encourage Vietnamese businesses to invest in Laos.
The visit to Laos and the participation in the 47th meeting of the two countries’ intergovernmental committee for bilateral cooperation by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the high-level Vietnamese delegation was highly successful. The event contributed to strengthening the belief that the Vietnam-Laos relationship will definitely reach new heights, for the strength, prosperity, well-being, and happiness of both nations; and will contribute to a peaceful, stable, cooperative, and developing environment in the region and the world. The friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos are invaluable assets of the parties, states, and peoples of both countries. Each person has the responsibility to preserve and nurture this relationship so as to allow it to gain achievements.
