In his remarks, Standing Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Loc Ha described the programme as a meaningful initiative and a high-level policy dialogue platform, enabling Lao policymakers and senior officials to engage with leading scholars and experts on key issues for Laos’ socio-economic development.
He expressed his confidence that through in-depth discussions and practical field studies, participants will gain valuable insights to support policymaking and contribute to implementing the strategic goals set by the Lao Party and State at the 12th National Party Congress.
Ha also noted that the programme is a practical move helping enhance the “great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion” between Viet Nam and Laos. As a leading economic and innovation hub, Ho Chi Minh City stands ready to deepen cooperation with Lao localities and support their development efforts.
Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maythong Thammavongsa thanked the Vietnamese Government and Fulbright University Viet Nam for organising the training programme. He highlighted its practical relevance, particularly amid complex and evolving regional and global dynamics, and described it as a testament to the two countries’ cooperation in developing high-quality human resources.
He also commended Viet Nam’s recent socio-economic achievements, noting that its development experience offers valuable lessons and inspiration for Laos. The programme’s focus on areas such as public finance, budgeting, and digital industry development is expected to help strengthen the capacity and strategic thinking of Lao officials, enabling them to apply knowledge effectively in governance and policy implementation.
Running from March 23 to 28 in Ho Chi Minh City and other localities, the LELP 2026 is designed as a high-level policy dialogue. It aims to support Lao leaders in translating strategic objectives into practical policy options and actionable programmes, drawing on both domestic realities and regional development experiences, particularly those of Viet Nam.
