Quang Tri, Salavan officials exchange experiences

A conference on exchanging experiences was held on May 27 in Dong Ha City, Vietnam’s Quang Tri Province, between representatives of the Quang Tri People’s Council and Lao Salavan People’s Council.

The conference on experience exchange held between the Quang Tri People’s Council and the Salavan People’s Council in Dong Ha City on May 27. Photos: M.D

Attendees included Deputy Secretary of the Salavan Party Committee and Chairman of the Salavan People’s Council, Mr. Siheng Homsombat; Deputy Chairman of the Salavan People’s Council, Sunthay Saynhaseng; Deputy Secretary of the Quang Tri Party Committee and Chairman of the Quang Tri People’s Council Nguyen Dang Quang; Standing Deputy Chairman of the Quang Tri People’s Council Nguyen Chien Thang, Deputy Chairman of the provincial People’s Council Nguyen Tran Huy, and Head of the provincial Party’s Internal Affairs Ly Kieu Van.

The Quang Tri People’s Council delegation at the event.

Demonstrating special solidarity and friendship

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Nguyen Dang Quang, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Quang Tri Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council, warmly received Mr. Siheng Homsombath, Deputy Secretary of the Salavan Party Committee and Chairman of its People’s Council, and the accompanying delegation during their working visit to Quang Tri.

He said this visit holds deep significance, reflecting the sincere, close-knit, and trustworthy relationship between the two legislative bodies. It also stands as a vivid testament to the special traditional bond between Quang Tri and Salavan provinces.

The Salavan People’s Council delegation at the conference.

Over the years, the friendship and cooperation between the two provinces have been consolidated with regularly high-level meetings and delegation exchanges, joint implementation of key infrastructure, economic, trade, education, healthcare, and border security projects. Most recently, a visit by Secretary of the Quang Tri Party Committee Nguyen Long Hai on May 7 reinforced this cooperation.

Mr. Nguyen Dang Quang, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Quang Tri Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council.

At the conference, Nguyen Dang Quang also shared highlights of Quang Tri’s recent development. In 2024, the province achieved a GRDP growth rate of nearly 6%, and state budget revenue reached roughly VND4.9 trillion (US$189 million), up 26% year-on-year. The province is actively driving key projects such as the My Thuy Port Complex, Quang Tri Airport, and Quang Tri Industrial Park. A notable example of strategic cooperation is the coal conveyor belt system project transporting coal from Laos through the La Lay International Border Gate to Quang Tri.

Mr. Siheng Homsombath makes remarks at the conference.

Mr. Siheng Homsombath emphasized that the great friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, fostered by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and previous generations of revolutionary leaders, continues to be strengthened.

He noted that state-level visits by the General Secretary, President, and Prime Minister of both countries have deepened the bonds between the two Parties and States and enhanced comprehensive cooperation between localities, including Salavan and Quang Tri.

Mr. Homsombath also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Quang Tri People’s Council for its support in providing IT equipment, software for council operations, website development, and training efforts.

Standing Deputy Chairman of the Quang Tri People’s Council Nguyen Chien Thang

Comprehensive partnership

Standing Deputy Chairman of the Quang Tri People’s Council, Mr. Nguyen Chien Thang, shared that the third memorandum of understanding, signed on April 4, has yielded significant results for both provinces.

Deputy Chairman of the Salavan People’s Council Sunthay Saynhaseng.

Building on the high-level agreement signed on December 27, 2022, in Dong Ha City between Quang Tri and Salavan for the 2023–2025 period, the Quang Tri People’s Council, in coordination with the Provincial People’s Committee, has been actively implementing various areas of cooperation, including political and diplomatic relations, military, security, and border cooperation; as well as investment, trade, tourism, education, and human resource development.

The two sides ink a memorandum of understanding for further cooperation.

The two sides have exchanged experience related to the organization and operation of their respective People’s Councils and shared practices, contributing to the effectiveness of the legislative bodies in both provinces. In addition, the delegates shared experiences in preparations for National Assembly and local government elections, citizen engagement, and oversight functions.

The Quang Tri People’s Council offers a gift to its Lao counterpart.

This working session between the two People’s Council delegations offers an opportunity to exchange valuable insights into the related fields.

In a broader move, Vietnam is currently undergoing a comprehensive reform process, transitioning into a new era of development. This includes efforts to streamline government structures and build a two-tier local government model. In this context, Quang Tri Province is accelerating the reorganization of commune-level administrative units, ending the operation of the current district level, and is expected to merge with Quang Binh Province to form a new, unified Quang Tri Province.

The gift of friendship offered to the Quang Tri People’s Council.

With this development, the new Quang Tri Province is committed to continuing its tradition of strong, friendly, and long-term cooperation with Laos, especially with Salavan Province.

Both sides expressed their hope to enhance the effectiveness of cooperation through high-level agreements, maintain the spirit of mutual solidarity, and conduct regular visits and experience-sharing activities. These efforts will help elevate the special relationship between the two People’s Councils and contribute to the socio-economic development of both Quang Tri and Salavan.

Delegates at the conference.

Based on mutual consensus, the Quang Tri People’s Council and the Salavan People’s Council signed the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding that outlines numerous key, practical, and comprehensive cooperation areas, aiming at advancing the partnership between the two provincial councils.

As part of their official visit to Quang Tri, the Salavan delegation paid tribute and offered incense at the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, and toured several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Memorial Site of General Secretary Le Duan, the Hien Luong – Ben Hai Special National Relic Site, the Vinh Moc Tunnels, and the Vinh Linh Underground Village System.

Minh Duc – Linh Pham