The second Vietnam - Laos cultural, sports and tourism festival.

According to Nguyen Thi Hai Nhung, head of the department of culture, tourism and sports, the event coincides with the celebration of 55 years of diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty between the two nations.
In addition, the festival aims to introduce and promote tourism and cultural heritage of ethnic minorities along Vietnam - Laos border to domestic and international friends. It is also expected to help preserve and promote ethnic identities in the context of innovation, development and global integration, Nhung added at a press conference on June 27 in Hanoi.
Through its diverse activities, the festival will confirm the solidarity between Vietnam and Laos that has existed for generations, the comprehensive mutual co-operation as well as the consistent policy of fostering the two nations’ special relationship.
The event will include musical performances, shows featuring traditional costumes, traditional rituals, cultural products, food, images of Vietnamese people and lands, sports and tours around Sơn La City. Artists and athletes from nine Vietnamese provinces and ten Laos provinces which share the border are expected to participate in the event.
The Vietnam - Laos cultural, sports and tourism festival is held every five years by Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other organisations. The first event was held in Ha Tinh province in 2012. 
In addition, celebration of 55 years of diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty between Vietnam – Laos also, the Vietnam - Laos Trade Fair 2017 is scheduled to be held in Vientiane, Laos, from June 29 to July 3, attracting the participation of over 140 enterprises with 320 booths showcasing products. Nearly 90 Vietnamese businesses will introduce their outstanding products at the fair, ranging from pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, industrial machines and construction materials, to garment and textiles and agro-fishery-forestry products.
Vietnam shares more than 2,100km of land border with Laos.