Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh named four areas for strengthening ties in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency ahead of Vietnam Prime Minister Le Minh Hung's visit to Laos on October 8-9. It will be his first visit to Laos since taking office.
Bilateral trade reached nearly 3 billion USD in 2025 and about 1.65 billion USD in the first eight months of 2026. Vietnam remains one of Laos's leading investors, including in energy, mining, agriculture, and services.
Four priority areas
The first area is economic and infrastructure connectivity. The countries share a border of more than 2,000 km. Priorities include transport, logistics, energy, border gates, and digital infrastructure.
The second area is human resources. More than 1,300 Lao students receive scholarships to study in Vietnam each year. The countries are also implementing an agreement to establish a Lao-Vietnam Friendship University in Laos.
The third area is science, technology, and digital transformation. Khamphao called for more exchanges and cooperation in data, e-commerce, innovation, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.
The fourth area is connectivity between localities and people. The ambassador said bilateral ties should extend beyond the central level through exchanges among provinces, cities, communities, and young people.
Transport projects and energy
Laos and Vietnam are discussing the Hanoi-Vientiane expressway and the Vietnam-Laos railway. The ambassador said projects expected to be completed by 2030 could speed the movement of Lao goods to the sea and regional markets while reducing transport costs and delivery times.
Khamphao also pointed to Laos's potential in hydropower, wind, and solar energy and expressed hope that Vietnam would continue investing in the power sector, especially large-scale wind projects. She said transport, energy, trade, and digital links should turn bilateral agreements into practical results.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
