On June 21, 2026, Hai Phong City warmly welcomed a high-level delegation from the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) for a working visit to the City Cooperative Alliance and several prominent member units. Led by Her Excellency Khamphao Ernthavanh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to Vietnam, the visit served to not only reaffirm the traditional friendship between the two nations but also to unlock practical opportunities for trade promotion and economic integration.
A High-Level Diplomatic Reception
The delegation arrived in the Port City with 31 members, including the Ambassador’s husband, Mr. Chan-Tha-lay An-Tha-Vanh, and a cohort of senior officials such as Minister Counselor and Deputy Chief of Mission Lat-Ta-Na Si-Ha-Raj, along with various counselors and attachés specializing in economic, trade, education, culture, and military affairs.
The reception was organized with a high degree of professionalism, following strict state diplomatic protocols and security measures. The Hai Phong City Cooperative Alliance worked in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the City Police to ensure the delegation's visit was both solemn and safe, reflecting the "special solidarity" that defines the Vietnam-Laos relationship.
Exploring Hai Phong’s Productive Capacity Through Field Surveys
The working program, which spanned a full day, was designed to provide the Lao delegation with a firsthand look at the diverse and high-capacity cooperatives and businesses that form the backbone of Hai Phong's collective economy. The itinerary included several key stops:
- Thanh Ha Lychee Production Hub: The delegation visited the Thanh Son Agricultural Service Cooperative, where they explored the historical, cultural, and economic value of the region's famous "ancestral" lychee trees.
- Agricultural Processing and Export: At Ameii Vietnam Joint Stock Company, members of the delegation studied advanced processes for purchasing, deep processing, and exporting agricultural products.
- Traditional Manufacturing: The group toured the traditional fish sauce production model of Quang Hai Co., Ltd. in the Cat Hai special district, witnessing the blend of tradition and modern quality standards.
- Innovative Agriculture: A visit to the Song Gia Investment and Development Cooperative introduced the delegation to a unique vermicompost (earthworm) farming model, showcasing the city's commitment to sustainable and circular agriculture.
- Historical and Cultural Heritage: To provide a deeper context of the host city, the delegation paid their respects and toured the Bach Dang Giang Historical Relic, a site symbolizing the resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people.
At each location, the delegation was briefed on production capacities, the application of science and technology, and the integration of value chains. Local cooperative leaders expressed an enthusiastic desire to connect with Lao partners and bring Hai Phong's signature products to the Lao market.
Strategic Working Session and Trade Exhibition
In the afternoon, the delegation held a formal working session at the headquarters of the Hai Phong City Cooperative Alliance. The highlight of this session was an exhibition featuring over 30 typical products from the city’s collective economic sector, including various high-quality OCOP (One Commune, One Product) goods.
During the conference, Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh praised the city's thoughtful and responsible hospitality. She provided an overview of the Lao market's current economic situation and consumer needs, emphasizing the potential for bilateral trade. The Ambassador encouraged Hai Phong’s cooperatives and businesses to actively invest and collaborate with Lao counterparts to boost two-way commercial activities. Furthermore, the Lao Embassy's Economic Counselor shared detailed information regarding Laos' priority sectors, such as agriculture and the export of characteristic products, which align well with Hai Phong's strengths.
Strategic Objectives and Overarching Significance
The visit was far more than a ceremonial gesture; it was a calculated effort to achieve several strategic goals:
- Concretizing Cooperation: The mission aimed to implement specific agreements regarding the collective and cooperative economic sectors that were previously discussed in Hanoi in May 2026.
- Connecting Trade and Investment: By facilitating direct contact between Hai Phong’s cooperatives and the Lao Embassy, the visit created a bridge for OCOP products, seafood, and agricultural goods to reach the Lao market through official export channels.
- Implementing National Policy: The visit was a practical implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW regarding international integration, which stresses the importance of strengthening traditional friendships in the new era.
- Promoting Hai Phong's International Image: The survey successfully showcased the dynamic production capacity and modern management of Hai Phong’s collective economy to an international audience.
A Future of Shared Prosperity
The visit concluded with a strong consensus to move forward with a trade promotion trip for Hai Phong’s collective economic sector to visit and survey the Lao market directly, tentatively scheduled for July 2026.
The success of this visit underscores the active and flexible role of the Hai Phong City Cooperative Alliance in people-to-people diplomacy and international trade promotion. It has laid a solid foundation for Hai Phong’s cooperatives and businesses to integrate more deeply into the international economy, while further cementing the unique and unbreakable bond between Vietnam and Laos.