Sekong: A hybrid forum aimed at promoting the East-West economic corridor, along with a trade-tourism fair, was held in the Lao southern province of Sekong. The event was co-organised by the Vietnamese Consulate General in Pakse and Sekong authorities, taking place on May 23.

According to Lao News Agency, the initiative by the consulate general provided an annual platform to enhance investment, tourism, and economic collaboration among regions from Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. The forum gathered representatives from 19 Vietnamese provinces and cities, along with four southern Lao provinces – Champasak, Sekong, Salavan, and Attapeu – Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, and businesses from the three nations.

Consul General Ta Phuong Dung, in her opening remarks, underlined the strategic importance of the forum in achieving a shared development vision among the three countries. She emphasized how the forum offers a platform for localities and enterprises to connect, explore investment opportunities in southern Laos, and develop cooperation programs tailored to their specific strengths and needs, thereby contributing to socio-economic progress along the East-West economic corridor.

Governor of Sekong, Leklay Sivilay, stated that the forum paves the way for trilateral business cooperation and enhances mutual understanding of local advantages, potential, and policies. During the event, delegates presented investment incentives and highlighted the unique strengths of their regions, illustrating a subregional landscape with strategic economic, agricultural, logistics, and tourism linkages.

The trade and tourism fair included 47 exhibition booths showcasing cultural and tourism products as well as farm produce. The distribution of the booths was 12 from Vietnam, 34 from Laos, and one from Thailand.