In a spirit of friendship, trust, and mutual understanding, the two sides held discussions on developments and the key tasks facing their respective customs authorities in the coming period. They also reviewed the implementation of their cooperation plan in recent years, providing a basis for discussing and agreeing on the 2027 cooperation plan.
The two sides spoke highly of the results of cooperation activities in 2026, including exchanges of experience in organisational affairs and Party work; the organisation of a bilateral conference on combating smuggling; and training to improve the capacity of Lao Customs in goods classification, valuation, and origin. An exchange on post-clearance audit operations is scheduled to take place from November 16 to 20.
Regarding cooperation and mutual administrative assistance, the two sides acknowledged the results of information exchanges supporting anti-smuggling investigations and the handling of customs law violations.
The customs authorities of the two countries agreed to continue prioritising assistance with verification and the provision of information upon request, particularly concerning drugs and precursor chemicals. They also agreed to promptly exchange information on cases involving potential violations of each side’s laws to support customs management.
Cooperation between Viet Nam Customs and Lao Customs has been built and nurtured by successive generations of leaders of the two countries’ customs authorities over many years, on the foundation of their special traditional friendship. Cooperation and mutual assistance have largely met the requirements for improving the effectiveness of state customs management on both sides, helping deepen mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the two agencies. The two sides have also supported each other in implementing the international commitments to which they are parties.
A comprehensive cooperation mechanism has been established from central to local levels, with activities maintained regularly and periodically. Viet Nam Customs has focused on helping Lao Customs build capacity in key professional areas. The two sides have also paid attention to twinning activities between Ha Noi Customs and Vientiane Customs, alongside cooperation at the sub-department level.
Building on the results of cooperation and practical requirements, the leaders of the two customs authorities agreed to focus on implementing four areas of cooperation in the coming period.
First, the two sides will strengthen information exchanges to improve coordination and control while facilitating cross-border trade. They will update contact lists for regional customs sub-departments and border-gate customs units to support information exchange, coordination, and the implementation of their duties.
In addition, the two customs authorities will effectively implement the agreed cooperation activities for 2027.
The two sides will continue to effectively implement the Memorandum of Understanding on the exchange of statistical data and the Memorandum of Understanding on information exchange in support of anti-smuggling investigations.
Another agreed priority is to enhance cooperation, coordination, and exchanges between customs authorities in provinces sharing a common border, based on an agreed regional cooperation mechanism.
At the conclusion of the conference, the two sides signed the minutes of the meeting as a basis for implementing cooperation activities in 2027. The leaders of both customs authorities agreed to direct the effective implementation of the cooperation plan, contributing to the goal of increasing trade between Viet Nam and Laos.
