A conference on developing handicraft villages and raw material areas and promoting consumption between Hanoi and Vientiane witnessed the signing ceremony of 12 memoranda of understanding (MOUs), opening up cooperation opportunities for enterprises on both sides.

A delegation of Hanoi representatives led by Standing Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Council Phung Thi Hong Ha attends the event. Photo: Van Ha/The Hanoi Times

Specifically, three MOUs were signed to develop raw material areas of Hanoi enterprises in Laos, eight others focus on cooperation in the production and consumption of products from Laos to Vietnam, and one deal was on the shipment of Vietnam's products to Laos.

The event, held on April 22, was part of the activities by the Hanoi delegation led by Phung Thi Hong Ha, Deputy Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Council, to Laos from April 20 to 24.

The conference was attended by more than 50 enterprises from Laos and 29 from Hanoi, including representatives of many famous handicraft villages, including Van Phuc silk, Thuy Ung horn carving, Ha Thai lacquerware, Bat Trang ceramics, Chuyen My mother-of-pearl inlays, and agricultural processing and trading enterprises.

Speaking at the conference, Phung Thi Hong Ha stressed that this is a practical activity creating conditions for the enterprises of the two capitals to contact and share experiences in developing handicraft villages, link the consumption of handicraft products, agricultural products and food, and develop raw material areas for bananas, ginger, chili peppers, and broom grass.

Trade between Hanoi and Laos is increasing. In 2022, Hanoi's export turnover to Laos was estimated at US$200 million, up 20% on year. Major export items to the Lao market in 2022 include minerals, machinery, and electronic and computer components.

A signing ceremony of the MOU on cooperation between Hanoi and Vientiane for the 2023-2025 period.

During the visit, an MOU on cooperation for 2023-2025 between the Hanoi Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs and the Vientiane Department of Labor and Social Welfare was inked.

On April 21, the Hanoi delegation held talks with the Vientiane People's Council and paid a courtesy call to Anouphap Tounalom, Secretary of the Vientiane Party Committee and Chairman of the Vientiane People's Council.