On July 17, 2025, the vibrant city of Vientiane, capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, became the focal point of regional economic cooperation as it hosted the grand opening ceremony of VIETLAO EXPO 2025. This signature event, the largest bilateral trade promotion platform between Vietnam and Laos, marked not just another chapter in a long-standing economic friendship but also a bold reaffirmation of shared aspirations for sustainable, inclusive, and dynamic growth in the Mekong sub-region.

Jointly organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the expo is the latest in a series of regular trade events held since 2007. Yet, each edition of VIETLAO EXPO carries fresh significance—especially in today’s context of rising regional integration and the global emphasis on resilient supply chains. This year’s iteration stands out for its scale, symbolism, and strategic intent.

The opening ceremony welcomed an impressive roster of high-level dignitaries from both nations. Among them were Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Trương Thanh Hoài, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyễn Minh Tâm, along with business leaders, policymakers, and representatives from trade associations.

Their presence was not merely ceremonial. It underscored the strong political will driving Vietnam–Laos economic collaboration and the commitment of both governments to elevate the bilateral partnership beyond traditional cooperation into a model of modern economic synergy.

In his keynote speech, Deputy Minister Trương Thanh Hoài emphasized that VIETLAO EXPO 2025 is far more than a commercial fair—it is a concrete mechanism for translating political directives into practical actions. He referenced the strategic guidelines adopted at the 47th Vietnam–Laos Intergovernmental Cooperation Meeting, held earlier this year under the leadership of the two Prime Ministers. These include targeted goals in trade, investment, energy cooperation, and cross-border infrastructure development.

“By creating a real-time platform for dialogue, collaboration, and market discovery, VIETLAO EXPO serves as a vital link in the chain of implementation,” Hoài noted. “It brings together not only products and services but also policies, priorities, and people.”

This year’s expo showcases an impressive 250 standard booths, with 120 booths representing nearly 80 Vietnamese enterprises, many of which are industry leaders and globally competitive exporters. The sectors on display are diverse, underscoring the multi-dimensional nature of Vietnam’s economy. From pharmaceuticals and medical equipment to agriculture, textiles, processed foods, plastics, and interior décor, Vietnamese businesses are leveraging the expo to showcase innovation, quality, and market readiness.

These booths are not just selling goods—they are telling stories. Stories of how Vietnamese businesses have grown, adapted, and thrived. Stories of how Vietnam sees itself not just as an exporter, but as a partner in development, a source of reliable supply chains, and a catalyst for shared prosperity in the region.

In particular, the strong Vietnamese presence serves as a strategic launchpad into the Lao market and beyond, especially to northeastern Thailand, a subregion with deep economic and cultural ties to Laos. For Vietnamese firms, this is a golden opportunity to deepen regional reach, expand brand visibility, and establish new partnerships.

What sets VIETLAO EXPO 2025 apart is its evolution into a comprehensive business ecosystem. Within its framework, a series of business-to-business (B2B) matching sessions, sector-specific forums, and cross-border trade seminars are unfolding—creating dynamic spaces for entrepreneurs, investors, and officials to interact in meaningful ways.

Whether it’s a startup in medical technology seeking a local distributor, a logistics firm eyeing cross-border operations, or an agricultural cooperative exploring joint ventures, the expo provides fertile ground for exploring synergies, sharing innovations, and building lasting networks.

Moreover, the event fosters technology transfer, facilitates market intelligence exchanges, and supports policy dialogue, ensuring that public and private sectors align their efforts toward a cohesive regional trade strategy.

The significance of VIETLAO EXPO 2025 is reinforced by the upward trajectory of bilateral trade between Vietnam and Laos. In 2024, the two-way trade volume surged to USD 2.25 billion, up a robust 38.2% from the previous year. Vietnam’s exports grew by over 41.6%, while imports from Laos climbed by 36.5%, reflecting a healthy and mutually beneficial exchange.

The momentum has carried strongly into 2025. As of May 2025, bilateral trade had already hit USD 1.6 billion—double the figure recorded during the same period in 2024. Vietnam’s exports grew a staggering 144.7%, totaling USD 583.3 million, while imports reached USD 979 million, an 80.9% rise year-on-year.

Even with Vietnam continuing to run a trade deficit—USD 395.8 million as of May 2025—this dynamic underscores complementary supply chains, particularly in raw materials, minerals, energy, and agriculture. Importantly, many of these trade flows are driven by Vietnamese-invested projects in Laos, demonstrating how investment fuels trade, and vice versa.

Beyond the numbers, VIETLAO EXPO 2025 symbolizes the deep-rooted trust and shared vision that define Vietnam–Laos relations. The exhibition not only celebrates economic achievements but also signals a mutual resolve to shape a resilient and inclusive future for the Mekong sub-region.

In his closing remarks at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister Trương Thanh Hoài emphasized that Vietnam remains steadfast in its commitment to regional solidarity. “We are here not simply to sell products but to build bridges—bridges of cooperation, innovation, and shared opportunity,” he declared.

As the event continues through July 21, 2025, it offers attendees more than just business prospects. It provides a platform to understand one another’s strengths, to navigate shared challenges, and to lay the foundation for a future built on mutual respect and regional harmony.

VIETLAO EXPO 2025 stands as a living testament to the idea that trade is not just an economic tool—it is a powerful instrument for peace, progress, and partnership. Through every handshake, every product display, and every new collaboration, Vietnam and Laos are writing a new chapter—one of shared prosperity in a connected world.