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At the February 14 meeting between Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and a delegation of Vietnamese businesses and international enterprises from various countries. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam strengthens business and investment ties in Laos

Highlighting Laos's vast potential for trade and investment cooperation, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said that Laos is an attractive investment destination, particularly in agriculture, tourism, logistics, and infrastructure development.

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on February 14 held a meeting with a delegation of Vietnamese businesses and international enterprises from various countries, led by Nguyen Hong Hue, Chairman of the Business Association of Overseas Vietnamese.

At the meeting, Hue provided an insight into the activities of the association and the enterprises participating in the Investment Promotion Forum with the association in Laos. He described the forum as a valuable opportunity for businesses to showcase their strengths and expressed hopes that the Lao Government will facilitate investments in various sectors, including energy, mining, education, healthcare, high-tech agriculture, and the cultivation of raw materials for wood pellet exports. Other proposed areas of investment included trade, e-government, and the construction of an oil pipeline from the central Vietnamese province of Ha Tinh to the Lao capital of Vientiane.

Hue also called on the Lao Government to share further details on investment policies, mechanisms, and priority sectors. He proposed the Lao authorities create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese and foreign enterprises to successfully implement their investment and business projects in the nation, cited VNA.

Highlighting Laos's vast potential for trade and investment cooperation, PM Sonexay said that Laos is an attractive investment destination, particularly in agriculture, tourism, logistics, and infrastructure development.

He assured that the Lao Government remains committed to supporting Vietnamese and foreign investors in launching and expanding their business operations in the country.

Earlier the same day, Lao Deputy PM Saleumxay Kommasith also worked with the delegation.

Vietnam looks to welcome 23 million foreign visitors this year

Vietnam is setting its sights high, aiming to attract 22-23 million international visitors this year. While ambitious, this target reflects the country’s steadfast commitment to positioning tourism as a key pillar of economic growth.

Despite the remaining effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastation wrought by natural disasters, Vietnam’s tourism sector has staged a stunning recovery.

The country welcomed 17.5 million international visitors last year, reaching 98% of the pre-pandemic figures recorded in 2019. This pace of recovery places Vietnam ahead of regional peers like Thailand (88%) and Singapore (86%).

However, industry experts caution against overconfidence, noting that while progress is impressive, the sector cannot afford to become complacent.

The economic challenges of 2024, marked by natural disasters, including widespread flooding, could have derailed Vietnam’s tourism resurgence. Yet, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) reported that the country achieved the highest tourism recovery rate in Southeast Asia.

The jump from 12.6 million international visitors in 2023 to 17.5 million in 2024 is nothing short of remarkable. Vietnam now ranks third in Southeast Asia for international arrivals, surpassing Singapore’s 16.5 million visitors, and trailing only Thailand (35 million) and Malaysia (24.5 million).

On the domestic front, Vietnam saw around 110 million travellers last year, contributing an estimated 840 trillion VND (33.34 billion USD) to tourism revenue.

'New era for tourism industry'

A survey by travel platform Agoda underscores Vietnam’s growing appeal.

Phu Quoc, in particular, emerged as a top destination for this year, with accommodation searches soaring by 266% compared to the previous year. Arrivals from the Republic of Korea surged by 94%, while those from Taiwan (China) skyrocketed by 123%.

With our recent growth and international recognition, alongside internal advancements, we are confident in Vietnam’s tourism potential. This is a turning point, marking the dawn of a new era for our tourism industry, VNAT Director Nguyen Trung Khanh told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Key policy shifts in August 2023 played a pivotal role in the development of tourism.

The number of international tourists arriving by cruise ships has surged in recent years. (Photo: VNA)

The Government extended visa-free stays for citizens from 13 foreign countries to 45 days from 15 days, while e-visas were made available to all nationalities across 13 airports, 13 seaports and 16 land border crossings.

Furthermore, e-visa validity was extended to 90 days from 30 days, with the added flexibility of multiple entries.

Promotional activities were also ramped up significantly in 2024, particularly targeting key international markets.

Infrastructure improvements, from hotel upgrades to enhanced tourist services, have further bolstered the visitor experience.

Vietnam has diversified its tourism offerings with a focus on beach tourism, eco-tourism, cultural experiences, culinary tourism, and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism. A notable highlight in MICE tourism was the arrival of 4,500 Indian visitors for a major event in August 2024.

Challenges on the horizon

While Vietnam’s progress is commendable, experts stress the importance of staying competitive in an increasingly fierce global tourism market.

Malaysia welcomed 28 million international visitors in 2023, far outpacing Vietnam’s 17.5 million in 2024. Although Singapore drew fewer visitors -about 15 to 16 million – its compact size (just 100 sq.m larger than Phu Quoc) makes direct comparisons tricky.

Thailand remains a formidable benchmark, attracting 36 million visitors in 2024. With a population of 72 million, that equates to one tourist for every two Thai citizens.

To achieve a similar ratio, Vietnam, with a population exceeding 100 million, would need to welcome around 50 million international visitors.

Nearly 2.1 million foreign visitors arrived in Vietnam in January, an increase of 18.5% compared to the previous month and up 36.9% compared to the same period last year, according to the monthly report by the General Statistics Office. Visitors from Asian markets accounted for the majority of those arrivals in January with 1.6 million visitors, followed by European countries with 266,700 visitors, and those from the Americas, 119,700.

Khanh emphasised that the next phase of Vietnam’s tourism strategy will prioritise sustainability, quality and brand positioning, highlighting the goal of offering high-end, unique and memorable experiences that will establish Vietnam as a leading global destination, rather than focusing solely on visitor numbers.

Efforts will also include innovative promotional campaigns and policy adjustments aimed at fostering long-term growth.

Vietnam’s commitment to excellence has already been recognized internationally.

In 2024, the country clinched several prestigious awards, including “World’s Leading Heritage Destination” for the fifth time and “Asia’s Best Golf Destination” for eight consecutive years.

Vietnam also earned titles such as “Asia’s Leading Destination” for the sixth time, “Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination” for the second time, and “Asia’s Leading Nature Destination” for the third time.

In a crowning achievement, Tra Que Vegetable Village in Quang Nam province was honoured as the “Best Tourism Village 2024” at the UN Tourism event in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

Agriculture - key cooperation area between Vietnam, China's Guangxi: website

Agriculture is a vital area of cooperation between China’s Guangxi province and Vietnam, highlighted in an article on the Ministry of Commerce of China’s website specializing on international trade.

As a gateway for trade with ASEAN countries, Guangxi has been strengthening agricultural exchanges and cooperation with Vietnam and other ASEAN nations, achieving significant results in recent years, it said.

The article opened by reporting the busy atmosphere at Youyi Guan Border Gate, one of the largest and most convenient land crossings between China and Vietnam.

According to Chinese customs data, in 2024, the total import-export value between China and ASEAN countries through this gate reached RMB472.69 billion (US$64.8 billion), representing a 13.4% year-on-year increase, and 98.9% of the total foreign trade at the gate. It has also become the largest land entry point for fruit imports to China.

Fruits such as durian, jackfruit, and dragon fruit from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries are transported to China in large quantities via the gate. In 2024 alone, the border gate imported RMB20.06 billion (about US$2.7 billion) worth of fruits.

The article cited data from the Guangxi Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs as showing that in the first 11 months of 2024, the total trade of agricultural products between Guangxi and Vietnam reached RMB18.37 billion (US$2.5 billion), up 17.7% compared to the same period of the previous year.

Vietnam has been Guangxi’s largest trading partner for 26 consecutive years. The fruit import-export turnover alone accounts for over 40% of total agricultural trade between Guangxi and Vietnam, and more than a third of China’s fruit trade with ASEAN countries. Guangxi has become a key hub for fruit trade between China and Vietnam.

It noted that in addition to expanding agricultural trade, Guangxi is actively seeking more cooperation with Vietnam in areas like e-commerce for agricultural products, agricultural-industrial collaboration, and agricultural technology exchange.

Guangxi has encouraged local businesses to invest in Vietnam’s agriculture and has established several pilot agricultural cooperation zones, while promoting joint ventures in smart farm projects along the border, aiming to develop a modern agricultural industrial chain. By the end of 2024, 18 agricultural enterprises from Guangxi had registered investments in Vietnam, according to VOV.

Photo: VNA

Guangxi has supported the China (Guangxi) - Vietnam Crop Breeding Laboratory in Vietnam, which showcases new crop varieties and agricultural technologies while fostering talent in agricultural science. The lab has displayed 121 high-quality crop varieties, covering over 133,400 hectares, thus improving agricultural productivity.

Additionally, Guangxi has established a major animal disease prevention and control testing station to collaborate with Vietnam’s border provinces.

Guangxi and Vietnam are actively exploring cooperation on pilot smart farm projects along the border and working on the development of smart border crossings between China and Vietnam. They are also strengthening collaboration in agricultural product e-commerce, the article noted.

At the recent 7th China-ASEAN Agricultural Cooperation Forum, Guangxi and Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at further enhancing collaboration in agricultural product trade, agricultural investment, agricultural technology, and aquaculture.

The article concluded that in the future, Guangxi will continue to strengthen its role as a key farm produce trade hub between China and Vietnam, expanding opportunities for agricultural cooperation and opening new market prospects for businesses in both countries.

Hai Duong, Vientiane exchange experience on people’s council operations

The People’s Council of the northern province of Hai Duong had a working session on February 14 with a delegation from the People’s Council of Vientiane, Laos, led by Bun Sone Phet La Van, Deputy Secretary of its Party Committee and Chairman of its People’s Council.

The cooperation between the two provinces dates back to October 19, 1984, when they signed a friendship and cooperation agreement. Over the past four decades, their relationship has been continuously strengthened and expanded.

At the session, both sides shared insights into their respective socio-economic development as well as the functions and tasks of their People’s Councils, VNA reported.

At the meeting between the People's Councils of Hai Duong and Vientiane provinces. (Photo: VNA)

Le Van Hieu, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Hai Duong Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council, highlighted the special Vietnam-Laos friendship. He noted that in September last year, the Hai Duong People’s Council passed a resolution to provide financial support for Lao students from Vientiane to study Vietnamese language preparatory courses in the province.

Phet La Van commended Hai Duong’s achievements and expressed his hope for further strengthening the comprehensive cooperation and special solidarity between the two provinces.

The Vientiane delegation sought Hai Duong’s experience on investment attraction policies, handling voters' petitions, resolving complaints, and managing human resources. They also inquired about budget allocation and training programmes, among other issues.

In response, Hieu outlined Hai Duong’s efforts in industrial infrastructure development and investment attraction, particularly in high-tech sectors and logistics. He said that the province has issued resolutions supporting land policies, including land rental exemptions, ensuring a balance of benefits for the province, businesses, and residents.

As part of the visit, the Vientiane delegation toured Hai Duong’s cage fish farming areas.

Vietnam International Choir Competition to gather nearly 1,000 artists

The Vietnam International Choir Competition is set to return to Hoi An ancient city in the central province of Quang Nam from April 9 to April 13, with around 1,000 artists from 10 countries and territories expected to participate.

The event is projected to feature 32 art troupes competing in 11 categories across different age groups, including youth, teens, and adults.

A variety of activities will take place, including an opening ceremony at Hoi An Theater, international choir performances along the streets, artistic exchanges between artists, locals, and tourists, as well as art performances on the Hoai River, VOV reported.

The 7th Vietnam International Choir Competition opens in Hoi An ancient city in 2023.

Throughout the event, visitors will have the opportunity to sample international cuisine and enjoy artistic programmes recreating the vibrant atmosphere of Hoi An nights in the early 20th century.

First launched in 2011, the biennial competition is jointly organised by Germany-based Interkultur, the world’s leading organiser of international choir competitions and festivals, and the Hoi An municipal People’s Committee. This year marks its eighth edition.

The event holds great significance, showing Hoi An's commitment to fostering creativity across various fields as part of its membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

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