In an article published on September 9, Pasaxon Newspaper cited a statement from Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Phet Phomphiphak at the mid-term review conference of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Plan for 2024. He mentioned that during the 2021-2025 period, the Vietnamese Government decided to provide non-refundable aid of 3.6 trillion VND (over 145.8 million USD) to Laos for implementing the cooperation plan in education and other projects. The article affirmed that Vietnamese aid has played an important role in Laos' socio-economic development.
Specifically, since 2021, 18 projects have been completed and handed over, with some notable examples including: the new National Assembly Building, the Laos - Vietnam friendship vocational school in Nongbok District of Khammuane Province, and the Academy of Politics of the Lao People’s Public Security.
In 2024 alone, Vietnam allocated 719.23 billion VND (over 29.1 billion USD) in aid to Laos. From January to July 2024, four Vietnamese aid projects have been completed, handed over, and put into use. These projects include: the replacement of equipment for the Lao National Radio Station, the construction of Xaysomboun Provincial Radio and Television Station, the construction of Huamueang District Secondary School in Houaphanh Province, and the development of four irrigation systems in Anouvong District and Thathom District in Xaysomboun Province.
Earlier, Pasaxon Newspaper’s article on September 6 emphasised that Laos and Vietnam are close neighbouring countries with a longstanding, traditional, and sincere relationship. The two parties, states, and peoples have consistently supported and assisted each other, both during their national liberation struggles in the past and in the current efforts to protect and develop their countries.
The leaders of the two parties, states, and peoples are pleased and proud to see the deepening cooperation and special solidarity between Laos and Vietnam in all fields, from central to local levels. Trade relations between the two countries show a growing trend each month and year, aiming for an annual growth rate of 10-15%, as set by the two governments. In the first seven months of 2024, Laos-Vietnam trade reached 1.1 billion USD, a 17% increase compared to the same period last year.
The article cited that from 2021 to 2023, the trade value between Vietnam and Laos grew at an average rate of 17.7%, achieving the target of 10-15% per year set by the two governments. It reaffirmed that, under the close direction of the leaders of the two parties and states, and with the efforts of various ministries, sectors, localities, and businesses, both sides have successfully implemented the cooperation agreement for the 2021-2025 period, achieving positive results in many areas.
