The workshop was attended by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem, a Politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam and head of the National Steering Committee for Vietnam-Laos anniversaries in 2007, and Saman Vinhaket, a Politburo member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and head of the Laos National Steering Committee for Laos-Vietnam anniversaries in 2007.

In their speeches, Mr Khiem and Mr Vinhaket highlighted the two countries’ achievements and experiences in implementing the Doi Moi process led by their two ruling parties over the past two decades. They also spoke of the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos as well as valuable lessons to be drawn from the Renewal process to promote bilateral comprehensive cooperation for the common goal of a rich people, a strong country and an equitable, democratic and civilised society.