Vietnam is one of the three leading foreign investors in Laos, having funnelled more than US$5 billion into over 400 projects, according to a workshop in Vientiane on September 15.

These projects have helped spur local economic development, generated thousands of jobs, and improve social security and welfare.
At the event, Minister Counsellor to Laos Tran Manh Cuong reviewed advantages and disadvantages when investing in Laos, analysed causes and difficulties, and proposed solutions for removing obstacles and promoting investment in the future.
Delegates agreed on the need to speed up an investment strategy in Laos by 2020, simplify procedures, create favourable conditions for enterprises to access capital, classify and revoke infeasible projects, and strengthen state management.
Recommendations and solutions will be submitted to the 37th session of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-governmental Committee, which is due to take place in late December.
The workshop was jointly held by the Vietnamese Embassy and the Association of Vietnam Investors in Laos (AVIL).