On the afternoon of August 12, 2026, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, a delegation from the National Economics University, led by Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat – Chairman of the Scientific and Training Council and former Rector, visited and worked with the National University of Laos. The two parties discussed the early resumption of the postgraduate education collaboration program and the expansion of research cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as digital transformation, climate change, and the circular economy.

Scene of the working session

Receiving and working with the delegation were: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinthavone Daravong – Director of the National University of Laos; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vadsana Chanthanasinh – Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bounthone Soukavong – Head of the International Collaboration Department; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanousorn Vongpraseuth, along with representatives from relevant units.

Among the external delegates was Mr. Sakhone Phommalath – Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, a doctoral candidate at the School of Economics and Public Management, National Economics University.

The NEU delegation also included: Dr. Pham Sy Long – Deputy Head of the International Collaboration Department; along with other staff and faculty members of the university.

During the working session, Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat conveyed the congratulations of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho – Director of the National Economics University to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinthavone Daravong on his appointment as Director of the National University of Laos; and extended an invitation to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinthavone Daravong to attend the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the National Economics University, scheduled for mid-November 2026.

In response to the sentiments and invitation from the National Economics University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinthavone Daravong expressed gratitude and extended a warm invitation to the leadership of the National Economics University to attend the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the National University of Laos, expected to be held in early November 2026. These invitations further demonstrate the close, friendly relationship and mutual respect between the two universities, while opening up opportunities for enhanced exchange and cooperation in the future.

The fact that both universities are approaching significant milestones in 2026 adds further meaning to the meeting, reaffirming the strong bond and solid foundation of cooperation built over many years between the National Economics University and the National University of Laos. This also serves as a premise for both parties to continue expanding practical and effective cooperative activities, contributing to deepening the friendship between the two institutions in their new development phase.

Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat – Chairman of the Scientific and Training Council, National Economics University in discussion with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinthavone Daravong – Director of the National University of Laos during the working session

One of the key topics discussed was the early resumption of the postgraduate education collaboration program, with degrees awarded by NEU and training conducted at the National University of Laos.

This collaborative model has been successfully implemented by the two universities in previous phases, with four master’s programs and one doctoral program. Many graduates of the program have made significant career advancements, holding positions in the public sector as well as in the business community in Laos.

In the new phase, both parties have agreed to explore expanding the admissions target, focusing on the Vietnamese expatriate community living and working in Laos, Vietnamese individuals working in agencies, organizations, and enterprises in Laos, as well as Laotian students who have graduated from universities in Vietnam, particularly NEU alumni.

The program is expected to be conducted in either Vietnamese or English, depending on the learners’ needs, thereby enhancing flexibility and accessibility for various groups of participants.

The relaunch of the program not only continues a proven effective collaboration model but also contributes to developing high-quality human resources and strengthening the connection between the academic community, the public sector, and businesses of both countries.

In addition to training, the National Economics University and the National University of Laos have also agreed to continue promoting research collaboration and participating in international research projects, focusing on areas of mutual interest such as digital transformation, climate change, circular economy, and new development issues of Vietnam, Laos, and the region.

This direction opens up the possibility of transforming the relationship between the two universities from traditional training cooperation to deeper academic collaboration, enhancing connections among scientists and jointly seeking international resources for research that is meaningful for the sustainable development of both nations.

Assoc. Prof. Sinthavone Daravong – Director of the National University of Laos presents the new emblem of the National University of Laos to the delegation from the National Economics University

As a leading university in Vietnam in the fields of economics, management, and business administration, the National Economics University always values its cooperative relationships with higher education institutions in Laos. Among these, the National University of Laos is a particularly significant partner in training cooperation and human resource development.

The meeting reaffirmed the determination of the two universities to inherit the achievements of past collaborations while renewing the partnership with training and research programs that meet the developmental needs of the new phase.

Through educational, training, and research collaboration, NEU and the National University of Laos not only create additional opportunities for faculty members, scientists, and learners from both sides but also contribute to fostering the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Article and photos: International Collaboration Department and Communication Department