“According to the Lao Department of Foreign Trade, Laos’ main exports to Vietnam during the period were gold, potassium chloride, and electrical machinery and parts. Its biggest imports from Vietnam included diesel fuel, vehicles, chemical products and precious objects.”
“The two countries are also expanding future energy cooperation. By the end of 2025, Vietnam had approved electricity imports from 47 Lao power projects with a combined capacity of more than 8,260 megawatts (MW). Projects with a total installed capacity of 2,379 MW were already exporting electricity to Vietnam, up from around 1,700 MW a year earlier.”
“In May, Laos also signed a concession agreement for the 80 MW Xekaman 4 Hydropower Project in Sekong Province, with all of the electricity generated set to be exported to Vietnam. More hydropower and renewable energy projects are expected to come online in the coming years, further strengthening cross-border electricity trade.”
“Vietnam remained Laos’ third-largest source of international visitors during the first half of 2026, with 586,190 arrivals, accounting for 22.6 percent of all foreign tourists entering the country.”
“The two neighbours are also investing in closer transport links. In May, Vietnam began construction of the Vinh–Thanh Thuy Expressway, a 60-kilometre highway connecting Nghe An Province to the Lao border.”
“The road will form part of the planned Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway…”