Lao newspaper extols Laos - Vietnam friendship as exemplary symbol in international relations

Pathet Lao, the official newspaper of the Lao News Agency, on July 18 published two editorials affirming the historic significance of the Laos - Vietnam Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, and extolling the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation in the cause of national protection and development in each country, on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the pact.

The first editorial traced the tradition of solidarity and mutual support back to the shared revolutionary struggles under the leadership of the Indochinese Communist Party and, later, the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the Communist Party of Vietnam. It highlighted the close-knit bonds forged by Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane, and Souphanouvong, calling it a rare and invaluable asset in international relations, nurtured by generations of leaders and people.

The piece detailed key historical milestones, starting with joint resistance war against colonialists in the late 19th century. Vietnam declared independence on September 2, 1945, followed by Laos on October 12, 1945, with establishment of the Lao Issara Government. In 1946 when colonial forces returned, the two nations fought side by side. In 1951, the Indochinese Communist Party’s second congress allowed Laos and Cambodia to establish their own parties for national revolutions. In 1954, Lao and Vietnamese forces played a critical role in the Dien Bien Phu campaign, securing victory against the French colonialists and paving the way for the Geneva Accords, according to VNA.

The first article on Pathet Lao (Photo: VNA)

It noted continued unity against neocolonialism in 1955 when Laos and Vietnam countered their common enemy and achieved victory. A defining moment came in 1960, when Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Kaysone Phomvihane met and affirmed that the Laos - Vietnam bond was “more special and enduring than mountains and rivers”.

The two countries officially established diplomatic ties in 1962, and during the 1967–1973 period, they formed a united front to fight against the “special war” and “intensified special war” waged by foreign imperialist powers and their puppet forces, firmly defending the achievements of their revolutions, it said.

The second editorial described the Laos - Vietnam relationship as a rare and exemplary model of solidarity, forged through shared triumphs, from seizing power in 1945, defeating the colonialists in 1954, achieving national liberation in 1975, to advancing economic reforms through Vietnam’s Doi Moi and similar efforts in Laos.

Quoting President Kaysone Phomvihane, it called the relationship a “shining example of proletarian internationalism - special, enduring, and comprehensive”.

The revolutionary spirit and teachings of President Ho Chi Minh continue to guide successive generations of leaders, fostering a deepening partnership that remains robust, comprehensive and long-lasting in the new era, it concluded.

Vietnam sets up National Committee for APEC 2027

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has decided to establish the National Committee for APEC 2027.

The Committee shall be led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son who will be assisted by Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan as Vice Chairpersons, VGP reported.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son leads the National Committee for APEC 2027.

Members of the Committee include Deputy Minister of National Defense Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Communication, Education and Mass Mobilization Pham Tat Thang, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy, Chairman of the An Giang Provincial People's Committee Ho Van Mung, Vice Chairman of the Presidential Office, Vice Chairman of the Government Office Nguyen Sy Hiep, Deputy Minister of Public Security Pham The Tung, Deputy Minister of Finance Bui Van Khang, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Vu Chien Thang, Deputy Minister of Construction Le Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Hoang Trung, Deputy Minister of Eduction and Training Nguyen Van Phuc, Deputy Inspector General Nguyen Van Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Nguyen Quang Vinh.

The Committee is responsible for assisting the Prime Minister in directing and coordinating ministries, agencies and localities and relevant bodies in preparing for hosting events during the APEC Year 2027.

The Committee shall have five subcommittees (in charge of contents, logistics, security and healthcare, communication and culture, and protocol) and the Secretariat.

Deputy minister calls for urgent action as Wipha storm forecast to hit Vietnam's mainland

With tropical storm Wipha expected to enter the East Sea on July 19 and potentially strike Vietnam’s mainland by July 21, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep called for urgent preparations.

The storm is forecast to bring torrential rains, particularly to the northwestern region, threatening widespread flooding, Hiep said at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment's meeting in Hanoi on July 17.

Hiep asked the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting to closely track the storm’s path and offer timely updates to authorities and the public.

He also tasked the Department of Dike Management and Disaster Prevention with coordinating response efforts of ministries and affected regions, deploying officers to critical areas to bolster preparedness, VNA reported.

Storm Wipha's path (Photo: National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting)

Addressing concerns over reservoir safety, Hiep proposed the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Department of Water Resources under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and local authorities to inspect all reservoirs, especially small, vulnerable, or under-construction facilities. He also called for careful management of reservoir discharges, especially along the Red River basin, to safeguard downstream communities.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the storm is forecast to reach the Gulf of Tonkin by July 21 morning, impacting the mainland through the night the same day. Northern and north-central provinces, including Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, could see heavy to extreme rainfall, with accumulations of 200 to 350mm, and some areas potentially exceeding 600mm from July 21-24.

To ensure public awareness, Hiep instructed state media outlets, including the Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam Television, and Radio the Voice of Vietnam, to regularly broadcast storm updates and warnings.

On the same day, the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army issued an urgent dispatch, requesting military units nationwide to prepare rapid response to the storm.

Transparent business environment draws sustained FDI inflows

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam continues to grow steadily, even amid global economic fluctuations, as rising project numbers and capital adjustments reflect strong investor confidence in both new and existing operations, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Finance.

Recently, Coca-Cola Vietnam inaugurated a US$136 million beverage plant in Phu An Thanh Industrial Park, southeast Tay Ninh province. The facility, certified LEED Gold, marks a milestone in Coca-Cola’s sustainable development strategy after 31 years in the Vietnamese market.

Milly Cheng, General Director of Coca-Cola Vietnam, said the plant embodies a fusion of innovation and sustainability, underscoring the company’s confidence in Vietnam’s strong growth potential and its long-term investment commitment.

Nguyen Van Ut, Chairman of the Tay Ninh provincial People’s Committee, called the project a testament to international business confidence, particularly from the US and UK, in the province’s transparent, dynamic investment environment.

Coca-Cola is not alone in this commitment. Northern Bac Ninh province has also seen robust FDI inflows, attracting more than US$12 billion so far this year, second only to Hanoi, reported VOV.

FDI reaches US$21.51 billion in the first half of 2025, highest level since 2009 (Photo: Internet)

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Bac Ninh Provincial People’s Committee Vuong Quoc Tuan stated that the province gives top priority to assisting investors right from the initial planning stage, with department heads responsible for resolving any procedural issues. He noted that Bac Ninh aims to develop into a semiconductor manufacturing hub while also encouraging domestic private enterprises.

According to Phi Thi Huong Nga, Head of the Industrial and Construction Statistics Department under the General Statistics Office, Vietnam remains attractive to foreign investors thanks to its strategic location, competitive costs, stable macroeconomy, and a domestic market of over 100 million consumers.

Still, the Foreign Investment Agency has warned of potential risks, including US–China trade tensions and new tax policies, which may cause some hesitation among foreign investors, especially regarding large-scale, long-term projects.

To stay competitive, experts recommend continued reforms to improve the investment climate. Localities are encouraged to adopt fast-track procedures such as “green lanes” and shift from pre- to post-licensing inspections to reduce delays. These reforms aim to attract strategic investors in sectors like semiconductors, integrated circuits, and R&D.

Provinces have also been directed to improve their Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI), step up investment promotion efforts, and offer stronger support for project implementation. In addition, administrative restructuring is expected to further enhance investor confidence.

Despite global uncertainties, Vietnam remains well-positioned to attract FDI thanks to its infrastructure, human resources, and consistent government backing.

According to the Ministry of Finance, total FDI in the first half of 2025 reached US$21.51 billion, up 32.6% year-on-year, the highest since 2009. Adjusted capital alone hit US$8.95 billion, more than double the same period last year, thereby reinforcing investor confidence in Vietnam’s business environment.

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