Vietnam, Laos share experience in heritage-based economic development
Both Vietnam and Laos regard cultural and natural heritage as vital drivers of rapid and sustainable national development.
A seminar in Ninh Binh brings together Vietnamese and Lao experts to share experience and strategies on developing heritage-based economies. (Photo: VNA)
Ninh Binh (VNA) – A seminar held in the northern province of Ninh Binh on July 29 brought together🐷 Vietnamese and Lao experts to exchange experience and strategy on developing heritageও-based economies.
Addressing the event, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, emphasised that both Vietnam and Laos regard cultural and natural heritage as vital drivers of rapid and sustainable national development. The two Parties and States have issued various guidelines and policies to promote the heritage economy, with a focus on fostering cultural industries, developing sustainable tourism, protecting the environment, and ensuring the responsible use of resources.
These policies form a critical legal framework for the management, conservation, and promotion of heritage values, closely linking preservation with development. Vietnam and Laos have strengthened cooperation in heritage preservation and promotion through diverse and increasingly effective initiatives.
Thang urged participants to focus discussions on key issues, including the enhancement of state governance in the heritage economy, and placing local communities at the centre of heritage-based development. He also suggested topics like promoting targeted investment and infrastructure modernisation, applying digital technologies, innovating heritage-related cultural and tourism services, training human resources, boosting scientific research, and expanding both bilateral and multilateral cooperation in heritage-based economic development.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, addresses the seminar. (Photo: VNA)
Dr. Koong-Keo Xaysongkham, President of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, stated that the Lao government not only prioritises the preservation and promotion of heritage values but also encourages their effective and sustainable use.
Currently, Laos has over 800 cultural, historical, and natural tourism sites open to visitors, including four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country welcomes over 4.5 million international tourists annually, generating more than 1 billion USD in revenue. Tourism is now a key sector, contributing significantly to economic growth, poverty reduction, job creation, and income generation.
The seminar received nearly 40 presentations focusing on critical aspects of heritage economic development. Experts provided in-depth analyses of opportunities and challenges, shared international models, and proposed practical solutions to enhance heritage conservation and economic growth, contributing to the common development goals of the two countries./.
Vietnamese and Lao officials reiterated their resolve to further deepen the Vietnam–Laos great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, while maintaining close coordination at multilateral platforms and on regional issues.
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.
Representatives from Vietnam and Laos emphasised the essential role of digital platforms, which are seen as the backbone of the e-commerce ecosystem. They also highlighted the significance of infrastructure in facilitating the smooth transport of goods between the two countries.
The visits reflected the elevated position of Vietnam’s foreign policy in the new era—aimed at not only advancing ties with key regional partners like Egypt and Angola but also delivering a strategic message about Vietnam’s commitment to deepening relations with African nations as a whole.
At their talks and meetings, President Cuong and Angola’s top leaders affirmed that the close brotherhood and traditional friendship are a valuable shared asset and a solid foundation for the two nations to advance into a new phase of development.
The ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) attaches great importance to the friendship, solidarity, and comradeship with the Communist Party of Vietnam, and voiced her Party’s wish to further deepen and expand relations between the two sides for the benefit of the Vietnamese and Angolan people.
Vietnam pledges to do its utmost to build an ASEAN of solidarity, consensus, and unity in diversity, and to foster a fast and sustainable development path for ASEAN, grounded in science, technology, and innovation, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Party General Secretary To Lam called on the criminal police force to accelerate the application of science, technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in criminal investigation tasks such as crime prevention, detection, tracking and verification, ensuring that no area remains out of their reach.
Many Koreans living, studying, and working in Hanoi see the upcoming state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) by Party General Secretary To Lam as an opportunity to generate strong synergy in economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural understanding.
The achievements of the five decades of Vietnam–Angola cooperation provide a strong and enduring foundation, as well as momentum for the two sides to consolidate, expand, and bring their partnership into a new phase of development.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
Emphasising the need for sustainable, long-term collaboration, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on Japanese investors not only to bring in capital but also to share expertise and modern technology, especially in areas such as green transformation, the circular economy, and advanced corporate governance.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
