Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai received Lao Finance Minister Bounchom Ubonpaseuth in Hanoi on July 26, during which the host affirmed that Vietnam shares its happiness and difficulties with Laos.
Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai (right) and Lao Finance Minister Bounchom Ubonpaseuth (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai received Lao Finance Minister Bounchom Ubonpaseuth in Hanoi on July 26, during which the host affirmed that Vietnam shares its happiness and difficulties with Laos.
Highlighting their bilateral cooperation and traditional friendship, Khai said Bounchom Ubonpaseuth’s official visit is contributing to the success of Vietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022.
The Deputy PM congratulated the Lao Party, State and people on the achievements they have recorded after nearly 40 years of reform, and noted his belief that the neighbouring country will overcome the present challenges and reap more in the time ahead.
He also briefed the guest on Vietnam’s macro-economic situation and budget collection last year and in the first half of this year, saying the national gross domestic product (GDP) over the past six months grew 6.42%, inflation was curbed at 2.44%, and budget collection fulfilled 66.7% of the estimate and rose 19.9% year-on-year.
The official attributed the results to the flexible combination of fiscal and monetary policies, and a close watch on the situation.
For the bilateral ties, Khai said the collaboration has been expanded and deepened, and expressed his delight at cooperation outcomes across all spheres, particularly finance.
The Lao minister, for his part, informed the Deputy PM about results of the working session between the two finance ministries, during which they looked into the cooperation plan for 2025 and public debt management, along with experience in budget collection.
Speaking of difficulties facing Laos in budget collection, public debt management and inflation control in the first half, he suggested Vietnam send experts to help the neighbouirng country with solutions to deal with financial and monetary issues, reform electronics firms and support State-owned enterprises.
In this regard, Khai urged the two ministries to step up the exchange of experience in financial, fiscal and monetary policies.
He also suggested Laos exploit sources of income in line with legal regulations, better control foreign remittances, ensure currency stability, and reasonably calculate the ceiling of the public debt-to-GDP ratio./.
To help Laos acquire a pool of quality human resources for national protection and development, Vietnam has trained tens of thousands of civil servants, researchers, health workers, and others over the past six decades, contributing to the solidarity and friendship between the two countries.
Two-way trade between Vietnam and Laos in the first half of 2022 increased by 20.6% year-on-year to 824 million USD, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in Laos.
The sixth week of the knowledge quiz about the history of the Vietnam - Laos special relations, held from 4pm on July 18 to 3pm on July 25, saw the participation of 94,121 people from across Vietnam.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai (right) and Lao Finance Minister Bounchom Ubonpaseuth (Photo: VNA) 
