Vientiane: An inter-sectoral coordination group between Vietnam and Laos conducted an inspection in the northwestern province of Dien Bien from August 26 to 28 to review the implementation of the 2007 Hanoi Agreement on facilitating the movement of people, vehicles, and goods across the shared border, as reported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on August 29.
According to Lao News Agency, the inspection sought to assess the results of the agreement’s implementation, identify challenges, and discuss measures to further facilitate cross-border movement and trade. The agreement, signed between the Vietnamese and Lao Governments on September 14, 2007, serves as a crucial framework for promoting investment and trade cooperation between the two nations.
After nearly two decades, the agreement has played a significant role in facilitating cross-border activities, contributing to trade and investment growth, socio-economic development in border areas, and strengthening the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
During the inspection, the joint inter-sectoral delegation conducted a field survey at the Tay Trang International Border Gate in Dien Bien province and its Pang Hok counterpart in Phongsaly province. They engaged in discussions with border-gate authorities regarding regulations on immigration, import-export activities, vehicle management, cargo inspection and control, and trade facilitation.
The assessment also included an evaluation of border-gate infrastructure, connecting roads, inspection areas, warehouses, and facilities for import and export. Discussions highlighted difficulties encountered during the implementation of the agreement.
The delegation noted positive outcomes from the coordination between authorities and local administrations on both sides of the border. Regular exchanges of information and coordination in resolving issues at border gates have facilitated the movement of people, vehicles, and goods while ensuring effective state management and national defense along the border.
In a working session post-inspection, both sides comprehensively reviewed the agreement’s implementation, focusing on the period from 2023 through the first half of 2026. Topics discussed included procedures for border crossing, import and export regulations, quarantine, payment mechanisms, border-gate infrastructure, transport connectivity, information technology, and digital transformation.
The discussions also addressed issues such as inadequate infrastructure, limited warehousing, cargo inspection facilities, and modest logistics services. Both sides agreed on the need to review regulations governing people, vehicles, and goods to ensure alignment with current laws and management practices.
The group agreed to explore measures to enhance cross-border trade, particularly for agricultural products, improve connectivity between infrastructure, accelerate digital transformation, modernize border management, and enhance coordination among authorities.
A central focus of the inspection was reviewing the provisions of the 2007 Hanoi Agreement. Based on border conditions and recommendations, the group discussed potential amendments to align with current legislation, administrative reforms, and cross-border trade developments.
The group aims to continue collaborating on amendments, with proposals to be submitted to authorities for consideration, targeting completion by 2027. This initiative is expected to strengthen the legal framework for facilitating cross-border movement, thereby boosting bilateral trade and socio-economic development in border areas.