Jointly organized by the Vietnamese and Lao Ministries of Defense and Ministries of Industry and Trade, the event is one of the large-scale economic and socio-political activities to promote the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
The organization of the fair and exhibition is also an opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises in general and military businesses in particular to seek cooperation opportunities and expand trade with partners from Laos and other countries participating in the event.
Popularizing quality and prestige of products and services
The event takes place from November 3 to 7 at the International Exhibition and Convention Center (Lao-Itecc). During the event, units and businesses from Vietnam, Laos, Israel, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore will introduce their products and services at 120 pavilions.
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Vietnamese defense leaders and delegates checking preparation for the event |
New feature of this year’s event is the organization of a supply and demand connection program which introduces products on online platform Videx.vn and a market survey program.
At the event, the booth of the Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB)’s branch in Laos (MB Laos) stands out with various outstanding digital products in banking sector showcased. This year, MB Laos introduces MBBank app and Biz MBBank, a smart digital banking and financial service platform which helps businesses transfer money without going to the bank.
In addition, the Hi collection card which is integrated credit with ATM card features is also introduced at the fair. Especially, MB Laos is the first bank in the country to be licensed by the State Bank of Laos (BOL) to open an online payment account using eKYC technology on MB Laos mobile banking application. To the event, customers will also have an opportunity to experience MB's safe, convenient, and modern digital services in the Lao market.
MB Laos’ Director Nguyen Van Huan said, “Joining the fair and exhibition, we want to widely popularize the image of Vietnam, its enterprises, and brands in general and military enterprises in particular; promote export of Vietnam's key products to the Lao market; form a network of goods consumption in the country; develop investment projects in Laos.”
Star Telecom (Unitel), which is one of the most successful overseas investment projects in the form of joint venture of the Military Industry-Telecoms Group (Viettel), also brings its products to the event. This year, Unitel demonstrates technologies through various platforms, including Laosedu education platform, Smart Health healthcare platform, Umoney e-wallet service, and LaoApp social networking platform, among others. These technology services will contribute to Laos’ digital transformation and realize Unitel’s target of becoming a leading technology corporation in Laos by 2025.
Star Telecom’s Director General Tran Trung Hung said that after 14 year-operation in Laos, Unitel has become the largest telecommunications operator and one of the companies contributing the most budget to and earning great reputation with the Lao Government and people. The business has been credited as a typical model for economic cooperation by the Party and Government of the two countries.
Apart from abovementioned units, other Vietnamese businesses, including Factory Z121, Factory Z131, Factory Z183, Factory Z176, Saigon Newport Corporation, Thanh An Corporation, Military Region 4 Economic Cooperation Corporation, Truong Hai Automobile Joint Stock Company, and Dairy Products Joint Stock Company also bring their most outstanding products and services to the event to convince customers.
For Laos businesses, participating in the event is an opportunity to exchange and seek potential customers and partners and expand trading activities with enterprises from Vietnam and other countries in the region.
Beautifying the image of Vietnam, its people, and military
Through photos and items showcased at the exhibition, participants can deeply feel the solidarity, closeness, and comprehensive cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao State, people and military. Many photos and artifacts of the Vietnamese troops participating in mass mobilization work, search and rescue, COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control, production and economic development and national defense and security consolidation activities in Laos have impressed participants.
The highlight of the exhibition is a space introducing Vietnamese military units’ outstanding products and services to serve national defense mission and people's daily needs. They are seen as clear proofs to affirm the military scientific and technological potential of the Vietnam People's Army.
Apart from paying attention to the efficiency of production and trade, military enterprises have actively participated in social activities in Laos, such as building houses for Lao war veterans, supporting the construction of schools and healthcare stations, awarding scholarships to needy students with good academic results, and giving assistance for those who are strongly affected by natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. These activities have contributed to beautifying the image of Vietnam, its people, and military in the eyes of the Lao people.
Director of the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of National Defense Major General Tran Dinh Thang said it is expected that the fair and exhibition further promote friendship exchanges and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, firmly consolidate the traditional partnership, deepen the understanding of the revolutionary history, and strengthen faithful solidarity between the two countries. The event is also to further foster defense cooperation and enhance the position and prestige of Vietnam and its army in Laos and in the international arena.
Translated by Tran Hoai