The Vietnam-Laos trade fair, VIETLAO EXPO 2023, officially opened in Vientiane on July 27. Co-organized by the ministries of industry and trade from both countries, the fair is the largest annual trade promotion event and will run until July 31. It features approximately 250 booths, with the Vietnamese section comprising 120 booths operated by 60 enterprises from diverse sectors, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, agro-forestry-fishery, food processing, garments, handicrafts, and consumer products.

During the expo, participants will engage in product showcases, business transactions, networking conferences, and cultural exchange performances. Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, Nguyen Ba Hung, highlighted the steady development of economic cooperation between the two nations. He praised the fair's large scale and diverse array of high-quality products, which reflect the commitment of both Vietnamese and Lao business communities to enhancing trade relations.

Lao Minister of Industry and Trade, Malaythong Kommasith, emphasized the importance of the expo for boosting trade, investment, and tourism cooperation. He noted that this event contributes to the socio-economic development of both countries and deepens their friendship and solidarity. In 2022, Vietnam-Laos trade turnover surpassed 1.63 billion USD, an 18.9% increase from the previous year. In the first six months of 2023, trade volume reached 835 million USD, marking a 1.3% annual rise.