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| The article affirms that Vietnam's assistance makes important contributions to Laos' socio-economic development. (Photo: VNA) |
The articles highlight that the two countries have always supported and helped each other wholeheartedly, both during the liberation struggle and in the current period of national construction and development. They affirm that Vietnam's assistance has made significant contributions to the socio-economic development of Laos.
The articles cite Lao Minister of Planning and Investment, Phet Phomphiphak, who spoke at the mid-term review conference on the implementation of the 2024 Lao-Vietnam Cooperation Plan. He stated that between 2021 and 2025, the Vietnamese government agreed to provide Laos with VND3.6 trillion in aid, including VND719.3 billion disbursed in 2021, VND733.66 billion in 2022, VND751.29 billion in 2023, and VND719.23 billion in 2024, to implement cooperation plans related to education and various projects. Since 2021, 18 projects have been completed, including the new National Assembly building, the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Model Vocational School in Nongbok District, Khammouane province, and the People's Police Academy Political Institute project.
According to the Lao-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, the VND719.23 billion in aid from Vietnam to Laos in 2024 is allocated for projects and training programs for Lao officials and students. In the first seven months of 2024, four aid projects were completed and handed over for use, including the replacement of equipment for the Lao National Radio Station, the construction of the Xaysomboun Provincial Radio and Television Station, the construction of a middle and high school in Huameung District, Huaphan province, and the construction of four irrigation systems in Anouvong and Thathom Districts, Xaysomboun province. This aid has significantly contributed to the socio-economic development of Laos.
Another article emphasizes the pride shared by the leaders, governments, and peoples of both countries in the deepening cooperation and brotherly solidarity between Vietnam and Laos. Notably, trade relations have shown steady growth, with the goal of achieving an annual growth rate of 10-15% set by both governments. In the first seven months of 2024, Laos-Vietnam trade grew by 17% compared to the same period in the previous year.
According to the Lao-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, trade between Laos and Vietnam has shown positive growth, particularly from 2021 to 2023, reaching the target of a 10-15% annual increase set during the 46th Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee meeting. In the first seven months of 2024, the trade value between the two countries reached USD1.1 billion, with Laos importing USD355.3 million from Vietnam, an increase of 14.4% compared to the same period in 2023, and exporting USD763.8 million to Vietnam, an increase of 17.8%.
Between 2021 and 2023, Vietnam-Laos trade grew at an average annual rate of 17.7%, exceeding the target set by both governments. The article confirms that Vietnam's support has played a crucial role in Laos' socio-economic development./.