Nghe an: The Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), in collaboration with the Lao National Institute for Economic and Social Sciences and the Royal Academy of Cambodia, conducted an international conference in Nghe An province to explore strategic infrastructure connectivity among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
According to Lao News Agency, the conference attracted more than 120 delegates, including leaders from central ministries and agencies, local officials, scientists, policy experts, diplomatic representatives, international organizations, and businesses from the three countries. The event aimed to fortify the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation among the nations.
During the conference, Prof. Dr. Le Van Loi, VASS President, emphasized the significance of strengthening connectivity among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to capitalize on their respective advantages and expand links with broader regional frameworks like the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and ASEAN. He noted that the Fourth I
ndustrial Revolution, digital transformation, and sustainable development are redefining the concept of strategic infrastructure, which now encompasses institutional, digital, and green infrastructure, including data systems, telecommunications, smart power grids, renewable energy, and green logistics.
Lao National Institute for Economic and Social Sciences President Leeber Leebouapao and Royal Academy of Cambodia President Sok Touch concurred on the importance of upgrading and synchronizing infrastructure networks to foster sustainable development, narrow development gaps, boost regional competitiveness, and reinforce ASEAN centrality in Mekong subregional cooperation.
Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee Chairman Vo Trong Hai highlighted the province’s strategic position on the East-West Economic Corridor, with the longest land border shared with Laos among Vietnamese localities. He emphasized the role of seaports and transport infrastructure in linking Nghe An with other regions. Hai underscored the sig
nificance of stronger connectivity with Laos and Cambodia to expand development space, promote trade, and deepen regional cooperation.
The conference included three specialized sessions featuring 10 scientific presentations and extensive discussions. Participants analyzed global and regional trends, assessed the current state of connectivity, and deliberated on long-term development models and solutions for mobilizing resources for major infrastructure projects.