The Vietnam - Laos trade fair (VIETLAO EXPO 2023), the largest annual trade promotion event co-organised by the countries’ ministries of industry and trade, opened in the Lao capital city of Vientiane on July 27.
At the opening ceremony of the event (Photo: nhandan.vn)
Vientiane (VNA) - The Vietnam - Laos trade fair (VIETLAO EXPO 2023), the largestannual trade promotion event co-organised by the countries’ ministries ofindustry and trade, opened in the Lao capital city of Vientiane on July 27.
Lastinguntil July 31 and attracting hundreds of Vietnamese and Lao firms, the fair featuresapproximately 250 booths. The Vietnamese section comprises 120 standard booths runby 60 enterprises from various sectors such as pharmaceuticals and medicalequipment, agro-forestry-fishery, food processing, garments, handicrafts,interior and exterior decorations, plastics, and consumer products.
Withinthe course of the expo, there will also be product showcases, businesstransactions, face-to-face and online business networking conferences, andcultural exchange performances.
Inhis speech at the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen BaHung highlighted that economic cooperation, a long-term foundation for thebilateral relationship, is developing steadily. He expressed his pleasure to witness this year's fair being held on a large scale, showcasing a diverseand rich array of high-quality products that cater to the demands of consumersin both markets. This demonstrates the dedication and confidence of the Vietnameseand Lao business communities towards the development of their countries’ traderelations, he stated.
LaoMinister of Industry and Trade Malaythong Kommasith emphasised that the expo isan important event, serving as an opportunity for the sides’ businesses toenhance their trade, investment, and tourism cooperation. This not onlycontributes to the socio-economic development of each country and increases theirtrade volume, but also deepens the great friendship, special solidarity, andcomprehensive cooperation between the two parties, states, and peoples.
In2022, the Vietnam-Laos trade turnover exceeded 1.63 billion USD, an increase of18.9% year-on-year. In the first six months of 2023, the figure amounted to 835million USD, an annual rise of 1.3%./.
The Vietnam-Laos Trade Fair 2022 opened in Vientiane on November 3 as part of activities to celebrate the two countries’ friendship and solidarity year.
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At the opening ceremony of the event (Photo: nhandan.vn) 
