Vietnamese, Lao central banks discuss cooperation in using local currencies in bilateral trade. (Illustrative image)

Vietnam is currently the third largest trade partner of Laos with a long-standing trade and investment partnership.

This is an important basis for the two sides to promote the use of their domestic currencies in the coming time. The control of the common payment system of the two countries will be managed by the Vietnam National Payment Corporation and the Lao National Payment Network Co. Ltd.

At the conference, the two sides introduced the Vietnam-Laos cross-border retail payment connection project using QR codes, saying the system is currently in the preparation stage with its first phase expected to be launched in September.

Vietnamese banks engaging in the project include nine Vietnamese and 13 Lao banks.

Countries in the ASEAN region, including Laos, have switched to using domestic currencies in trade and investment to prevent risks from political, geopolitical, economic, and financial changes.