Vietnam, Lao, Thai localities to foster cooperation along economic corridor. (Photo: VNA)

Representatives from Vietnamese, Lao and Thai cities and provinces proposed cooperation measures at a forum in the Lao province of Champasak on April 10.

The event, co-organised by the Vietnamese Consulate General in Pakse, Champasak province, local authorities and the Vietnam E-commerce Association (VECOM), brought together officials from Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Tri, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Khanh Hoa, Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Binh Duong, Dong Nai and Dong Thap of Vietnam, Champasak, Sekong, Salavanh and Attapeu provinces of Laos and Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province.

In his remarks, Vietnamese Consul General in Pakse Nguyen Van Trung said the forum is intended to roll out agreements reached at the 45th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee earlier this year, and particularly to promote development cooperation in the East-West Economic Corridor.

He stressed that the Vietnamese Party and State leaders always attach importance to the role of the economic corridor, as reflected through the issuance of various relevant resolutions and documents to facilitate regional connectivity.

Representatives from the participating localities presented their strength and investment incentives, and proposed cooperation possibilities among the three countries.

Delegates of Vietnamese localities where the corridor runs through said they have upgraded infrastructure to tap the potential and advantages of the corridor, and enhance cultural, trade, investment and tourism links with others along the corridor.

On this occasion, VECOM signed cooperation agreements with the Lao southern provinces of Champasak, Sekong and Salavanh, which are hoped to help boost trade ties between the Lao localities and Vietnamese central, Central Highlands and southern cities and provinces through personnel training, e-commerce solutions and the building of a digital platform connecting Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.