Investments in the East-West Corridor: Forum brings regions together!

Investments in the East-West Corridor: Forum brings regions together!

A major forum to promote cooperation along the East-West Economic Corridor was held on May 21, 2025. This forum, organized both in person and online, attracted representatives from 18 provinces and cities in Vietnam as well as four provinces in southern Laos, namely Champasak, Sekong, Salavane, and Attapeu. Ubon Ratchathani Province from Thailand was also represented. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc He, deputy chairman of the Can Tho Municipal People's Committee, attended the forum aimed at exchanging ideas between municipalities, investors and enterprises to expand economic cooperation.

The focus of the forum was the presentation of the region's potential and strengths as well as measures to attract investment. The participants particularly discussed proposals for cooperation in the areas of trade and tourism and analyzed development opportunities in important economic sectors.

Emphasis on collaboration

The discussions highlighted the important role of cohesion and cooperation between the region's municipalities in promoting trade, investment and tourism in the East-West economic corridor. Numerous presentations were held that presented solutions to improve infrastructure connectivity.

The East-West Economic Corridor, approved at the Greater Mekong Subregion Ministerial Conference in Manila in 1998, promotes the development and integration of five Southeast Asian countries: Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The corridor, which has been operational since December 12, 2006, covers a distance of 1,450 km and connects prominent points in the region.

Economic potential and events

A key event that promotes the exchange of cultural and tourism products is the Vietnam – Laos Trade and Tourism Fair 2025, which will be held from May 21 to 23, 2025 at the Sekong Provincial Trade Center. It gives businesses the opportunity to promote local agricultural products, processed foods, clothing and many other goods, including electronics, household appliances and handicrafts.

The analysis of the East-West economic corridor has shown that enormous economic growth can be expected through the improvement of road and rail infrastructure and the removal of customs barriers. The Asian Development Bank estimates that the benefits could amount to at least $568 billion, underscoring the strategic importance of these developments.

Forum participants agreed that implementing these measures is crucial for sustainable economic development in the region. Building a well-connected corridor connecting Thailand, Laos and Vietnam can not only significantly reduce travel times but also strengthen trade ties, which could lead to remarkable economic growth.