(KPL) On March 19, 2026,  Saleumxay Kommasith on Friday led a high-level briefing outlining the outcomes of the 48th Lao–Vietnam Bilateral Cooperation Committee Meeting, highlighting record trade figures and unveiling a new five-year strategy aimed at deepening ties between Laos and Vietnam.

Officials said bilateral trade reached $3 billion in 2025, underscoring strong economic momentum between the two neighboring countries.

Vice Minister of Finance Phonevanh Outhavong reported that Vietnam remains the largest foreign investor in Laos, with 276 projects worth $6.21 billion in registered capital.

Investment has been concentrated in telecommunications, banking and agriculture, while both sides are increasingly shifting toward clean energy development, including wind power projects such as Truong Son and Savan 1.

The meeting also marked a transition to the 2026–2030 Strategic Cooperation Plan, which leaders say will elevate the bilateral relationship into a key driver of national development.

Saleumxay Kommasith outlined six priority areas, including strengthening political trust, improving border security, boosting infrastructure and logistics, expanding digital integration, developing human capital and ensuring stronger oversight of major projects.

“We must transform our political commitments into tangible results,” he said, stressing the importance of delivering concrete benefits to citizens.

Officials say the new strategy is designed to reinforce the long-standing partnership between Laos and Vietnam while supporting sustainable growth and regional stability.

KPL