Cherishing the special Vietnam - Laos relationship

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On the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of Lao PDR’s National Day, Vietnamese people also join in with the celebrations, honouring their brotherly relations.

Marking the event, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, spoke with TGVN about the accomplishments of his country over the past few years.

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane addressed at the event celebrating 42nd anniversary of Lao PDR’s National Day.

Overcoming challenges, making a statement to the world

Laos is a country with a thousand-year history. The Lao people have a patriotic tradition – bravely fighting back invaders and successfully building the country to the present day. Under the strong leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the people achieved glorious victories against invaders, freeing the nation and establishing the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on December 12, 1975.

42 years ago, Lao PDR was an under-developed country with a self-sufficient economy, mostly dependent on nature. With a weak economy and poor infrastructure, the livelihood of the Lao people was very difficult and 90% of the population was illiterate. However, after over four decades of development, including 30 years of reform, Laos is steadily witnessing improvements in all sectors: rapid economic growth and clear improvements in people’s lives – 99% literacy, 98% of people are now able to access medical services and 89% have electricity.

Laos’ macroeconomy is now stable, with a growth rate of 6.83% and GDP at 2,472 USD per capita (in 2017). With this rapid growth, the government was able to help 6,546 families out of poverty (beating the target of 5,580 families) and gradually build socio-economic infrastructure. Roads connecting provinces are under construction, the number of dams has increased from 1 in 1975 to 47 today. The tourism sector is also making tremendous progress; in 2017 alone, the country welcomed over 4 million tourists. 2018 has been chosen as the Laos Tourism Year.

Ambassador Thongsavanh Phomvihane stressed that even though Laos faced numerous challenges, the country has succeeded in maintaining its pace of growth, illustrated by its political stability, consistent development and guaranteed safety and order of society.

In 2017, Laos is urgently implementing measures and striving to reach the targets of the 5-year national socio-economic development plan for the eighth time (2016-2020). This is in order to bring the country out of poverty in 2020 and promote strong commodity production associated with sustainable rural development, actively and positively participate in the integration process and enhance its position at regional and international forums.

On foreign affairs, Ambassador Thongsavanh Phomvihane said that the Lao government continues to expand its activities in international relations, maintaining a foreign policy based on peace, independence and friendship, to promote multilateral cooperation and diversification on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit. Presently, Laos has forged diplomatic relations with 139 countries, has diplomatic representatives in 39 nations, has economic - trade relations with over 50 of them and is an active member of various regional and international organisations.

Half a century of brotherly bonds

2017 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Laos (September 5 1962 - September 5 2017). Over the last 55 years, even though the international and regional situation has been complicated and unpredictable, the traditional relationship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam continues to be reinforced and strengthened in all fields.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung and Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane celebrating the 55th anniversary of Vietnam - Laos diplomatic ties. (Photo: Tuan Anh)

Laos and Vietnam share a border stretching 2,067 km and the countries signed a new Agreement on Border and Border Gate Management in 2016. Trade and investment between the countries rises every year.

From 1989 till now, Vietnam has invested in 408 projects with a total value of 3.7 billion USD, becoming the leading investor in Laos. In 2016 alone, trade turnover between the two countries reached 824 million USD and in 2017, the two sides agreed to increase this figure by at least 10%. On education, the Vietnamese government awarded over 1,000 scholarships for Lao students to study in Vietnam and provide funds to build schools in Laos’ provinces.

According to the Ambassador, Vietnam’s assistance has had a significant impact in helping Laos develop infrastructure, create jobs, eradicate poverty and improve the lives of the Lao people.

The Ambassador stressed that all the success and achievements Laos has gained from the cause of defending and building the country are thanks to the great support and assistance of their international friends, especially the Party and the State of their Vietnamese brothers.

He also stressed that the Party, State and people of Lao PDR will always give the highest priorities and do their best for the Party, State and people of Vietnam to maintain and strengthen the traditional relationship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries that will continue on and on.

The special relations between Laos and Vietnam will contribute to building the ASEAN Community and developing cooperation in the region and the world.

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