Laos and Vietnam recently launched a cross-border QR code payment system that has the potential to boost trade and tourism.

In a darkened forest of central Vietnam, a 2-foot-long creature with “enlarged” teeth climbed through a tree. Its “secretive” lifestyle made it “uncommon” to see, and, when occasionally found, its appearance caused it to be misidentified.

Mountain scenes, quaint villages, chaotic traffic, cheap motels and repetitive noodle soup, punctuated by the occasional flat tyre.

High-ranking officials from Laos and Vietnam gathered here for the 47th meeting of the Laos-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee to review the achievements of their 2024 cooperation and discuss strategic plans for 2025.

Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) has been greenlighted to restart a Laos-based US$522-million potash mining project that has lain dormant for eight years.

Prime Ministers Pham Minh Chinh and Sonexay Siphandone led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Park, symbolizing decades of close ties between the two nations.

Prime Ministers Pham Minh Chinh and Sonexay Siphandone co-chaired a landmark meeting in Vientiane, strengthening ties across trade, investment, and education.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Laotian counterpart Sonexay Siphandone attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the project as part of the former’s working trip to visit Laos and co-chair of the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee.

Vietnam and Laos have launched a new framework for settling payments in their local currencies and a cross-border QR code payment system.

Both countries will strengthen the connectivity between their economies and take measures to expand investment and trade cooperation

Vietnam’s outstanding socio-economic progress in 2024, highlighted by the robust economic growth of 7.09% and sustained social stability, has earned high praise from Lao Ambassador to Australia Sinchai Manivanh.

The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence has held a gathering in Vientiane for former Lao military students who had studied in Vietnam.