Leaders of Quang Tri and Savannakhet provinces sign a Memorandum of Understanding on coordination in the coming period

The Savannakhet delegation was led by Vice Chairman of the Savannakhet Provincial Administration Committee Khamphoui Sybounhoung, along with members of the delegation. The Quang Tri delegation was led by Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee Le Duc Tien, together with leaders of relevant departments, agencies and units.

Implementing the policies and resolutions of the Politburos of Vietnam and Laos on studying and piloting a cross-border border-gate economic zone model along the East–West Economic Corridor, Quang Tri Province has developed a proposal for the Lao Bao-Densavan Cross-Border Trade and Economic Zone. The province has also solicited opinions from central ministries and agencies to finalize the proposal and submitted it to the Ministry of Finance for reporting to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval.

An overview of the conference

Based on directions from Government leaders and comments from the Ministry of Finance, Quang Tri Province is continuing to finalize the proposal. To date, approximately 80% of the work stipulated in the signed contract has been completed, and the proposal is expected to be finalized before October 15, 2026.

In addition, under Official Letter No. 5022/VPCP-CN dated June 1, 2026, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc assigned the Ministry of Industry and Trade to take the lead in carrying out the procedures for signing an Agreement between the Governments of Vietnam and Laos on piloting the establishment of the Lao Bao–Densavan Cross-Border Trade and Economic Zone.

Delegates from Quang Tri Province attend the conference

At the conference, the two sides discussed and reached consensus on proposed contents to be included in the Agreement, including the model, organizational structure and operation of the zone, the duration of the pilot scheme, mechanisms and policies to attract investment and facilitate investment and business activities, as well as other related matters.

Delegates from Savannakhet Province attend the conference

Speaking at the conference, Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee Le Duc Tien expressed his agreement with the contents discussed by the two sides. He requested relevant agencies of the two provinces to continue coordinating and sharing information, preparing documents for negotiations on the Agreement, and ensuring progress in its development, finalization and submission to the Governments of the two countries for consideration. The two sides aim to sign the Agreement in December 2026 at the 49th Meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee.

Delegates deliver remarks at the conference 

Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee Le Duc Tien speaks at the conference

Vice Chairman of the Savannakhet Provincial Administration Committee Khamphoui Sybounhoung speaks at the conference

The establishment of the Lao Bao–Densavan Cross-Border Trade and Economic Zone is expected to help strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation between Quang Tri and Savannakhet provinces, promote connectivity along the East–West Economic Corridor, and further deepen and strengthen the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee Le Duc Tien presents a souvenir gift to the delegation from the Savannakhet Provincial Administration Committee

Delegates from Quang Tri and Savannakhet provinces pose for a group photo after the conference

At the conclusion of the conference, representatives of the leaders of Quang Tri and Savannakhet provinces signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the contents of coordination for the coming period.

Quang Tri Portal