Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia Discuss Strategic Infrastructure Connectivity

Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia held an international conference to discuss strategic infrastructure connectivity, deepening discussions for strengthening regional cooperation. The Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), in coordination with the Lao National Institute for Economic and Social Sciences and the Royal Academy of Cambodia, hosted this international conference in Nghe An province, Vietnam, on September 15. More than 120 delegates attended, including representatives from central ministries, local authorities, scientists, policy experts, diplomatic representatives, international organizations, and businesses from both countries. Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Le Van Loi, VASS President, stated that the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation among the three countries are invaluable assets. He noted that strengthening connectivity among the three nations would help them better leverage their respective advantages and expand links with broader regional frameworks, including the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and ASEAN. Prof. Loi further pointed out that the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital transformation, and sustainable development are transforming the concept of "strategic infrastructure." He explained that beyond physical transport and energy infrastructure, institutional, digital, and green infrastructure, such as data systems, telecommunications, smart grids, renewable energy, and green logistics, are becoming increasingly important. He added that supply chain restructuring and emerging non-traditional security challenges also necessitate more adaptable and resilient infrastructure systems. Lao National Institute for Economic and Social Sciences President Leeber Leebouapao and Royal Academy of Cambodia President Sok Touch shared the view that upgrading and synchronizing infrastructure networks among the three countries is key to promoting sustainable development, narrowing development gaps, improving regional competitiveness, and strengthening ASEAN centrality in Mekong subregional cooperation. The conference featured three specialized sessions with 10 scientific presentations and extensive discussions. Participants examined global and regional trends and the current state of connectivity, while discussing long-term development models and solutions to mobilize resources for major infrastructure projects. For Laos, which aims for economic development under a one-party system, improving infrastructure connectivity with neighboring countries is considered crucial for promoting trade and regional economic integration. In particular, as ties with Vietnam and China strengthen economic linkages, infrastructure development will further deepen these relationships. However, challenges such as increasing external debt for infrastructure development and environmental impacts are also inherent. Information Source: KPL Laos News