Vietnam and Laos Target US$5 Billion Trade Goal
Vietnam and Laos officials met in Hanoi to strengthen political ties and set a bilateral trade target of US$5 billion.
Senior officials from Vietnam and Laos met in Hanoi on October 15, 2026, to strengthen bilateral ties and expand economic cooperation. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam, received Vilay Lakhamphong of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, emphasizing that Vietnam gives the highest priority to developing relations with Laos.
During the diplomatic visit, the two nations agreed to work toward raising bilateral trade to US$5 billion. To Lam urged that economic cooperation become a more central pillar of the relationship, specifically calling for increased investment in logistics, transport infrastructure, and the digital economy. The discussions also covered national defense, security, and the repatriation of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who died in Laos.
Parallel talks between Trần Cẩm Tú and Vilay Lakhamphong focused on improving legal frameworks for investment and enhancing human resource development. Both parties agreed to improve training for Lao officials and students in Vietnam to ensure the continuity of their special relationship. The visit also included coordination on Party building and joint efforts within ASEAN and the United Nations.
