The conference is part of the annual cooperation mechanism established under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2014 between the Ministry of Finance of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Finance of Laos on information exchange and investigative assistance in combating smuggling, the illegal cross-border movement of goods and trade fraud.
The event was co-chaired by the heads of the Anti-Smuggling Investigation Departments of the customs administrations of both countries, with the participation of representatives from their respective offices, specialised divisions, operational units and regional customs branches.
During the conference, Viet Nam Customs and Lao Customs reviewed the results of their efforts to combat smuggling and trade fraud over the past year, while assessing the implementation of cooperation activities under the MoU since the 2025 conference.
The two sides also exchanged professional experience and discussed a number of key issues, including operational information sharing and investigative support in customs enforcement; joint action against goods suspected of infringing intellectual property rights; the illegal cross-border trafficking of narcotics in northern and central border areas; and the implementation of direct cooperation at Viet Nam–Laos border checkpoints, together with challenges encountered during the process.
The two sides also reviewed and updated their lists of designated contact points in order to strengthen information sharing and enhance coordinated inspections of high-risk consignments along the Viet Nam–Laos border.
Held in a spirit of openness, cooperation and mutual understanding, the conference successfully achieved its objectives. Its outcomes are expected to enhance coordination between the Anti-Smuggling Investigation Departments of the two customs administrations while further reinforcing the special solidarity and friendship between Viet Nam Customs and Lao Customs.
At the conclusion of the conference, the two sides agreed that the 2027 Conference on Anti-Smuggling Investigations will be hosted by Laos, thereby maintaining the regular consultation mechanism and further strengthening bilateral cooperation in combating smuggling and trade fraud.
