KUALA LUMPUR - Vietnam and Laos have renewed their labour and social welfare cooperation with a new agreement focused on worker mobility, skills development and digital transformation.

The agreement was signed during the 9th Vietnam-Laos Ministerial Conference on Labour held in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.

The conference was co-chaired by Vietnamese Minister of Home Affairs Do Thanh Binh and Lao Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Phosay Sayasone.

Both countries reviewed their 2024 and 2025 cooperation progress and agreed on new labour goals for 2026 and 2027.

The two sides said they will expand cooperation in labour management, digital governance and public administration to support economic changes in the region.

Minister Binh said that cooperation between Vietnam and Laos has grown stronger over six decades, including Vietnam’s support in training hundreds of Lao officials.

He also noted that Vietnam has helped Laos with social projects such as a rehabilitation centre for veterans and people with disabilities in Vientiane.

Laos has supported Vietnam in humanitarian work, especially in bringing home the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers.

The new memorandum of understanding will improve information sharing on labour deployment, develop job training that matches market needs and strengthen protection for migrant workers.

Both governments also agreed to apply digital systems in labour governance and improve social welfare support for workers.

Minister Sayasone said the partnership will continue to support ASEAN and Mekong regional labour programmes, build inclusive growth and deepen the long-standing friendship between Vietnam and Laos.