Leaders of Song Ma district presented rice to armed forces of Muong Et district, Hua Phan province (Lao PDR).

We were present at the Chieng Khuong Border Control Station, an international border gate connecting with Ban Dan border gate, Hua Phan province, Lao PDR. During the days before Tet, the Border Gate welcomed hundreds of visitors to visit relatives, sightsee and trade goods. Captain Nguyen Van Khanh, Station Chief, said: This spring, people on both sides of the border are happy that the trade route connecting Song Ma - Muong Et continues to be invested in and upgraded; the landscape of the landmark area has been repaired, creating favorable conditions for people on both sides to develop the economy, trade and visit relatives.

The Chieng Khuong - Dan border gate area is a highlight of the relationship and exchange between the people on both sides of the border. Every year, when the harvest season comes, the people on both sides work together to repair, clear and dredge irrigation canals for more than 100 hectares of fields in the cluster of 8 villages in Muong Et district and 15 hectares of fields in Chieng Khuong commune.

Military Command of Muong Et district, Hua Phan province, Lao PDR visited and worked
with the Military Command of Song Ma district. Photo: Lu Mien (CTV)

Mr. Bun Tham, Head of Bia village, Muong Et district, Hua Phan province, said: Working together in the fields, the Vietnamese people have guided us in planting new high-yield rice varieties, how to prevent pests and diseases on rice, care techniques, ensuring good rice growth and development, with an average yield of 5 tons/ha. The people of the two villages are very close, considering each other as family, when the other side is in difficulty, the other side is ready to help. The two villages regularly organize sports and cultural exchanges, invite each other to visit on holidays, New Year, and important days of the two villages.

Every day, the border markets become a place to meet, exchange goods and share life stories. The people of Song Ma bring to Muong Et bundles of fresh vegetables and fragrant sticky rice. In return, the people of Muong Et bring typical products such as wild honey and brocade. In the spring, when traditional festivals of the Thai, Mong and Lao ethnic groups are held, the cultural space on both sides of the border becomes more vibrant.

The Military Command of Song Ma district presents gifts to the Military Command of Muong Et district, Hua Phan province, Lao PDR. Photo: Lu Mien (Contributor)

Song Ma district has 4 border communes, 43.5 km of border, with 43 national markers; in the district there are Chieng Khuong Border Guard Station and Muong Cai Border Guard Station. Mr. Lo Van Sinh, Chairman of the District People's Committee, said: The district has stepped up propaganda to cadres, soldiers and people of all ethnic groups to preserve and foster relationships; well implement the policies of the Party and the State. Direct functional forces, border communes to coordinate with the authorities and forces of neighboring countries to promptly inform about the situation of border management and border markers; maintain a regular meeting regime to exchange information. From there, there are measures to coordinate and support each other to resolve incidents related to security and order in border areas; well implement agreements and regulations, build stable, peaceful and developing borders and border markers.

In 2024, the district organized a regular meeting with Muong Et district. Attended the "Son La - Hua Phan Cultural Tourism Festival 2024" in Hua Phan province; combined with displaying booths of tourism, cultural products, and products at the festival. Organized a regular meeting between the Military Command of Song Ma district and the Military Command of Muong Et district; a regular meeting to exchange information, coordinate and grasp the situation of economic, social development, national defense, security, and the situation in the border area between Muong Cai commune, Song Ma district and Nam Cuong cluster, Muong Et district; Muong Sai commune, Song Ma district and Na Toong cluster, Xieng Kho district, Hua Phan province.

Officers and soldiers of Muong Cai Border Post, Song Ma District and Company 212 (Lao PDR)
perform the milestone greeting ceremony. Photo: PV

Economic foreign affairs have been effectively implemented. In particular, Song Ma and Muong Et districts have created conditions for businesses and people to buy, sell and exchange goods to serve people's production and life. Survey and implement a program to support fruit tree development; send officials to exchange information, provide technical guidance, and help build economic development models. The total export and import output of goods in 2024 with Muong Et district, Hua Phan province will reach over 3,154 USD, of which 290,738 USD is exported; over 2,863 USD is imported. Currently, in Muong Et district, there are 17 Vietnamese enterprises investing in promoting agricultural production, livestock breeding and business; there are 13 stores distributing products of companies.

Muong Cai Border Guard Station and Lao military forces coordinate bilateral patrols in the border area.

In Muong Cai commune, the festival of throwing con and xoe dance attracts local people and has the participation of people from Muong Et district, Hua Phan province, Lao PDR. Lam vong dances and Mong flutes blend with the sound of traditional musical instruments, creating a united and warm atmosphere. Mr. Chay Phet Thanthana, from Muong Et district, shared: In the spring, I often go to Song Ma district to play. I am warmly welcomed by everyone. The festivals of both sides are not only for fun, but also help us learn more about each other's culture.

By strengthening and expanding friendly cooperation, promoting trade, promoting socio-economic development, and cultural exchange between Song Ma district and Muong Et district, it has contributed to firmly protecting national border sovereignty, fostering the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos to be increasingly sustainable, loyal, and steadfast.

According to: Son La Newspaper