The talks between officials of Việt Nam's Điện Biên Province and Bokeo Province of Laos on September 16. — VNA/VNS Photo

VIENTIANE — A delegation from Việt Nam's northwestern province of Điện Biên held talks with officials of northern Laos' Bokeo province on September 16 to concretise bilateral cooperation agreements, with a focus on expanding tourism ties and developing cross-border travel routes connecting Laos, Việt Nam and Thailand.

The two sides exchanged information on their socio-economic development, geographic advantages and tourism potential, as well as destination management and promotion. They shared experience and discussed measures to improve service quality and develop distinctive tourism products reflecting local cultural identities.

Khamseng Suliyavong, Vice Chairman of the Bokeo provincial Government Committee, stressed that the talks marked an important step towards concretising cooperation agreements between the two provinces.

Highlighting Bokeo’s strategic location at the border intersection, Khamseng underscored its immense potential for eco-tourism and international trade. Enhanced partnership with Điện Biên, he noted, will help both localities maximise their strengths and build transport infrastructure connecting Laos, Việt Nam and Thailand to facilitate cross-border travel.

Concurring with the Lao official, Cao Thị Tuyết Lan, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the Điện Biên provincial People’s Council, affirmed that the visit translates Điện Biên's vision to expand international tourism linkages with northern localities of Laos and Thailand into concrete action. She expressed her belief that closer ties between management agencies and travel enterprises would foster linked tour programmes, particularly cross-border self-drive car and motorcycle caravan tours along the Laos–Việt Nam–Thailand route.

To realise these goals, the two sides agreed to establish direct and regular cooperation between Điện Biên’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Bokeo’s Department of Culture and Tourism. The two agencies will take turn organising exchanges, share professional expertise and support mutual promotional activities.

Furthermore, the authorities of Điện Biên and Bokeo committed to creating favourable conditions for travel businesses to connect, conduct market surveys and design new itineraries. They will also study coordination mechanisms to streamline entry and exit procedures for tour groups, especially self-drive caravan fleets.

Cooperation in communications will also be stepped up through active data sharing and joint promotion of each locality’s cultural heritage, scenic spots and signature tourism products across media channels and major regional events.

Following the talks, the two delegations conducted field surveys at key tourism destinations and service facilities in Bokeo to assess infrastructure and service capacity, laying the ground for practical cooperation.

The Điện Biên delegation’s working visit opens new avenues for sustainable tourism growth in both provinces and Laos–Việt Nam–Thailand tourism connections, while further consolidating the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Việt Nam and Laos. — VNA/VNS