Lao and Vietnamese officials  attend the official launch of the LamoPay  in Vientiane on Friday.     --Photo Sengchanh

Laos, Vietnam launch LamoPay e-wallet to boost digital trade, tourism

The LamoPay e-wallet, a new digital payment platform, was officially launched in Vientiane on July 18 to promote cross-border e-commerce and boost tourism between Laos and Vietnam.
The launch took place during a seminar on strengthening business ties and promoting trade cooperation between the two neighbouring countries in the digital era.
The event was jointly organised by the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Laos, and the Department of Trade Promotion, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam.
The LamoPay e-wallet is expected to enable smoother payment flows between the two nations, facilitating transactions for tourists and supporting businesses in adapting to the demands of the digital economy.
Officials said the platform will help travellers make secure and convenient cashless payments, boosting the tourism sector while enhancing trade connectivity.
Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade, Ms Kingsadone Phetdaoheuang, highlighted the significance of the launch, saying it reflects both countries’ shared commitment to building a robust digital trade and tourism platform.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, Mr Nguyen Minh Tam said “Cross-border e-commerce is the fastest and most effective way for businesses in both countries, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to sell their products directly to consumers in neighbouring markets, bypassing geographical and cost barriers.”
The seminar brought together more than 100 participants, including policymakers, experts, and business leaders, who discussed the role of digital platforms, logistics systems, and e-commerce in boosting bilateral trade and tourism.
In recent years, Vietnam has invested in 267 projects in Laos with a total registered capital of US$5.7 billion. In 2024 alone, Vietnamese investment in Laos reached US$191.1 million, an increase of 62.1 percent compared to 2023.
During the seminar, participants explored ways to develop e-commerce platforms, improve logistics services, and leverage digital tools to support trade.
Highlights included the introduction of LaoApp and discussions on links between platforms such as LaoApp-Unitel (Laos) and Vivina-Technology Group Co., Ltd. (Vietnam).
A representative from the Vietnamese-Lao company AZ (VLCO) reaffirmed the company’s commitment to creating a solid bridge for legal, investment, and operational activities, enabling businesses to thrive in a fast-evolving digital landscape.
The seminar concluded with a policy dialogue, where experts and business leaders shared insights on advancing e-commerce collaboration.
To support cross-border trade, the Lao government has also established two e-commerce websites namely, www.laoproduct.com.la for domestic trade and www.laoproduct.com.cn to promote Lao products and facilitate trade with China.

by Souksamai Boulom
 (Latest Update July 21, 2025)