The event forms part of economic diplomacy efforts to showcase comparative advantages and economic potential, promote cultural values, and enhance the image of the countries and people of both Vietnam and Laos.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Standing Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Loc Ha, said that the exhibition is organized with the aim of supporting enterprises from both sides to sustain and further expand production and business activities while effectively tapping export potential for key local products—particularly Vietnam’s OCOP (One Commune One Product) and Laos’ ODOP goods.
In addition, the event seeks to develop distribution channels for goods across localities in both countries and to promote tourism cooperation, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connectivity among friendly provinces and cities of Vietnam and Laos.
Through each edition of the expo, featuring a wide range of economic and cultural exchange activities, the friendship and cooperation between provinces and cities of Vietnam and localities of Laos have continued to be strengthened. In particular, the twinning relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and Savannakhet has grown increasingly close, substantive, and deepened over time.
He expressed confidence that, with the active and innovative participation of agencies, organizations, and the business communities of both sides, the exhibition would create numerous new cooperation opportunities, deliver concrete and practical outcomes, and make a meaningful contribution to the sustainable development of localities in both Vietnam and Laos.
Immediately following the opening ceremony, delegates toured and explored exhibition booths and a range of outstanding products on display.
The 6th Ho Chi Minh City and Friendly Provinces and Cities Expo in Savannakhet in 2026 has attracted the participation of more than 50 Laotian enterprises and over 150 Vietnamese businesses. The exhibition is scheduled to run from April 1 to April 5.
