The cooperation between Hanoi-Vientiane in particular, and of the capital city with other provinces/cities of Laos have been improving over the years in all spheres, with a growing number of projects in the fields of economy, healthcare, education, agriculture, and people-to-people exchange.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen stressed the view during an investment, trade, and tourism promotion conference themed “Hanoi-Vientiane, Cooperation for Development” on August 10. On the sidelines of the event, a photo exhibition and a trade fair are jointly held by the two capitals.

Quyen expected further achievements in economic cooperation between the two cities. During the first six months of 2022, Hanoi’s exports to Laos stood at $75.8 million, or 0.9% of the city’s total export turnover, and imported goods and products worth $99 million, accounting for 0.48% of its imports.

He also expressed his delight at the signing of four memoranda of understanding between Hanoi and Vientiane on August 9, including the former’s financial support for the construction of the headquarters of Vientiane’s Justice Department and the city's Procuracy in the 2022-2025 period; cooperation between Hanoi’s Youth Union and its Vientiane counterpart; cooperation between Hoan Kiem District Party Committee and Chanthabuly district of Vientiane; and between Le Hong Phong Staff Training School and Vientiane Politics-Administrative School.

Vice Mayor of Vientiane Phouvong Vongkham.

Quyen said the investment conference is a platform for companies to gain a better understanding of investment incentive policies from Hanoi and Vientiane, as well as to seek business opportunities in priority fields.

He expected Hanoi and Vientiane to carry out more activities to foster bilateral cooperation and open up a new development phase for benefit of the two peoples, for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Vice Mayor of Vientiane Phouvong Vongkham expressed his gratitude for the support of the Vietnamese government and people not only in Laos' socio-economic development but also in difficult times.

“Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam was the first country to come and help Laos overcome difficulties, which shows the special nature of Vietnam-Laos relations, and remains the key factor for the development of both countries,” he added.

Vongkham noted the conference would strengthen trade, investment, and tourism cooperation between the two cities in the new normal, and facilitate experience exchange, especially in attracting investment into Hanoi and Vientiane.