VLE General Director Mr Nguyen Ba San proposes special investment mechanisms to simplify procedures and tax incentives to facilitate large-scale investment projects in Laos. --Photo VLE

Vietnamese energy major plans US$10–15 b investment in Laos, seeks special incentives

Viet Lao Energy Investment and Development Joint Stock Company (VLE) and its affiliated companies plan to invest US$10–15 billion in Laos over the next five years, with the Vietnamese energy investor calling for special investment mechanisms and tax incentives to facilitate large-scale projects.
The investment plan was announced by VLE General Director Mr Nguyen Ba San at the Laos-Vietnam Investment Promotion Conference 2026, held in Vientiane on October 8 and co-chaired by Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and his Vietnamese counterpart Le Minh Hung.
Mr San proposed special institutional and administrative mechanisms to simplify and accelerate investment procedures for major investors, along with differentiated tax incentives for companies committing substantial capital, implementing multiple concession projects and maintaining long-term investment commitments in Laos.

Mr Nguyen Ba San receives the Project Development Agreement for the Truong Son 3 Project in the presence of the Lao and Vietnamese prime ministers.

He said the proposed measures could shorten investment approval procedures by three to six months, accelerate capital disbursement and support the implementation of Laos' 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030).
According to the company's statement, the proposals have been referred to the Lao Central Investment Promotion and Management Committee for review and reporting to the government.
VLE and its affiliated companies described themselves as among the largest investors in Laos, with their planned investments expected to contribute to the country's efforts to attract private capital and develop key economic sectors.
During the conference, Mr San received the Project Development Agreement for the Truong Son 3 Project in the presence of the prime ministers of Laos and Vietnam, marking another step in bilateral investment cooperation.
The investment announcement comes as Laos seeks to mobilise substantially more capital to finance its development priorities over the next five years.
Figures presented by Mr San indicate that Laos mobilised approximately 274.4 trillion kip in investment during 2021–2025, including 266.494 trillion kip from domestic private investment and foreign direct investment (FDI).
For 2026–2030, total investment requirements are projected to reach 636.178 trillion kip, of which approximately 410 trillion kip is expected to come from domestic private investors and FDI.
This represents a 132 percent increase in overall investment requirements and a 53.7 percent increase in the required contribution from private investors and FDI compared with the previous five-year period.
Mr San stressed that major investors in energy, infrastructure and industry contribute more than capital, as their projects create jobs, support related industries, develop infrastructure, increase exports and generate government revenue.
He said improving the investment environment would help Laos attract and retain major investors capable of contributing to the country's long-term economic development.
The company's proposals are in line with the Lao government's efforts to streamline investment procedures and encourage more private investment in priority sectors.
Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Saleumxay reaffirmed the government's commitment to improve the business and investment environment.
“The government welcomes any comments or recommendations from the business sector that could help improve the investment environment and achieve the two countries’ bilateral investment targets,” he said.
He highlighted the establishment of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee as an important step towards streamlining investment procedures through a centralised, one-stop mechanism under the Prime Minister's direct guidance.
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Le Minh Hung encouraged Vietnamese businesses to expand their investments in Laos, particularly in clean energy, high-tech agriculture, mineral processing, banking and finance, logistics, tourism, and digital development.
Vietnam has emerged as a leading source of investment in Laos. During the first nine months of 2026, the Lao government approved 45 investment projects with a combined value of US$8.57 billion.
Vietnamese investments accounted for US$4.7 billion of the total, representing the largest share of approved investments by value during the period.
The Laos-Vietnam Investment Promotion Conference, attended by about 500 government and private-sector representatives, concluded with the exchange and handover of 18 investment-related documents.
The event took place during Prime Minister Le Minh Hung's official visit to Laos, when the two governments also signed 11 cooperation documents covering infrastructure, finance, investment, education, cybersecurity and other sectors.
During their bilateral talks, the two prime ministers agreed to accelerate strategic cooperation projects, including the Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway, the Vung Ang sea port, a railway linking the seaport and Vientiane, and petroleum supply infrastructure.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo 
 (Latest Update October 19, 2026)