During a meeting in Vientiane on April 8, Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien engaged with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to address challenges hindering the export of coal and electricity between the two nations. The discussions aimed to enhance the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and minerals, aligning with each country's needs and potential.

Minister Dien outlined the outcomes of his visit to Laos, where talks were held with leaders from the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines and Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Key focus areas included industry, energy, mining, trade, and investment cooperation.

Significant progress was made in discussions with the Lao Minister of Energy and Mines, with both sides agreeing on proposals to be presented to high-ranking officials to facilitate energy partnerships.

Vietnam's growing electricity demand, expected to double by 2030, was highlighted by Minister Dien, who underscored the substantial power purchase agreements between Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and hydropower plants in Laos. Plans to increase electricity import capacity to Vietnam to 5,000MW by 2025 were discussed.

In the realm of trade, efforts are underway to bolster Vietnam-Laos trade turnover, which currently falls below its potential. Specific measures to enhance trade partnerships and review trade agreements were discussed to harness the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.