Laos and Vietnam agree on infrastructure and digital cooperation
The governments signed 11 documents in Vientiane, including agreements on a border road, a university and cybersecurity.
Eleven cooperation documents were signed in Vientiane after Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith met his Vietnamese counterpart, Le Minh Hung. The governments also agreed to advance joint transport and energy projects and facilitate investment in Laos by Vietnamese businesses.
The documents provide for a road following the shared border and construction of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship University. Cybersecurity was covered by a separate agreement, while the governments exchanged handover records for Laos’ civil data system and identity cards.
Other measures include a memorandum concerning investment in oil supply infrastructure, an agreement linking the finance ministries and a justice ministry cooperation plan for 2027. An additional agreement addresses ethnic and religious affairs.
Local authorities signed cooperation memorandums covering 2026-2030. Vientiane province partnered with Hai Phong city, while Oudomxay province signed with both Hai Phong and Ninh Binh province.
The leaders agreed to move faster on projects including a railway, an oil pipeline, Vung Ang sea port and the Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway. They also backed closer defence and public security ties.
Hung’s two-day visit came at Saleumxay’s invitation. According to the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was Hung’s first official bilateral overseas visit since becoming prime minister. Preparations will also begin for bilateral leadership meetings in early 2027 and commemorations of 65 years of diplomatic relations.
