Vietnamese Deputy PM Inspects Laos' National Population Database and Citizen ID Project

Vietnamese Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc arrived at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane on September 21, 2026, to begin an official visit to the Lao PDR. During his visit, he inspected the progress of the National Population Database and Citizen Identification Card Project. Upon arrival, Mr. Pham Gia Tuc was welcomed by Major General Khonsavanh Somphaxay, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Minister of Public Security, along with relevant officials. The visit underscored the close cooperative ties between Vietnam and Laos and the ongoing efforts to modernize data management infrastructure in Laos. On the same day, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Permanent Member of the Government Saleumxay Kommasith held talks with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc. They reviewed bilateral cooperation during the first nine months of the year and discussed priorities for the remaining months. At the Department of Census Management and Grassroots Construction, Brigadier General Kaenchan Phommachack, Director of the department, briefed the Vietnamese delegation on the implementation of the National Population Database and Citizen Identification Card Project. He stated that the project is developing a modern population information system designed to strengthen the completeness, reliability, and security of population data in the Lao PDR. He reported that implementation has so far achieved its planned milestones and is progressing as scheduled. Following the briefing, the Lao and Vietnamese delegations viewed an informational video on the project and its implementation. Mr. Pham Gia Tuc and his delegation also inspected the progress of the Ministry of Public Security’s Command Center construction project. This project is part of the Lao government's initiative to modernize national population management and citizen identification systems. In Laos, a one-party state, the development of a national ID system is considered crucial for enhancing administrative service efficiency and social management. Vietnam has traditionally been a key partner for Laos, providing technical and financial assistance for infrastructure development and administrative system modernization. Earlier in the day, General Secretary and President of the Lao PDR Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone separately received Vietnamese Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc in Vientiane, engaging in discussions on bilateral relations. Information source: KPL Laos News