Conference reviewing coordination in training public officials for the Lao PDR at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics

The conference was chaired by Ms. Latthana Sihalath, Minister Counselor and Deputy Ambassador of the Lao PDR to Viet Nam; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Nghia, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Standing Vice Chairman of Project 621 (HCMA); Dr. Nguyen Phuong Le, Chief of Office for Project 621 (HCMA).

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Nghia affirmed that training officials for the Lao political system is a cornerstone of the traditional friendship and special cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos. Under annual agreements between the two countries’ Cooperation Committees, the HCMA has been entrusted by the Party and State of Viet Nam to train high-level and key leadership officials for the Lao Party and State of Laos.

He noted that thanks to close coordination between the functional agencies of both nations, training programs have been implemented on schedule and targeted the correct personnel. These efforts have yielded significant results, consolidating strategic trust and deepening the Viet Nam-Laos relationship. To meet new practical requirements, on July 10, 2024, the Prime Minister of Vietnam signed Decision No. 621/QD-TTg, establishing the project: "Innovating and strengthening the training of public officials for the Lao PDR at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics in the new context" (Project 621).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Nghia emphasized that this conference is a vital opportunity for both sides to review the 2021–2025 cooperation phase. Participants focused on the implementation of Project 621, identifying achievements, limitations, and existing bottlenecks to propose solutions for further improving the quality and efficiency of the programs.

According to the report presented at the conference, from 2021 to 2025, the HCMA successfully implemented a wide range of programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, advanced political theory, and professional skills updates based on specific job titles. HCMA also coordinated with the Central Organizing Commission, the Central Party Office, and the Central Commission for External Relations to host specialized thematic exchanges for senior officials of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

Most students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the HCMA are selected under the bilateral cooperation agreement. Those attending short-term professional courses and advanced political theory programs are experienced managers and leaders holding key positions in Lao central and local agencies, as well as socio-political organizations. These participants are recognized for their ability to apply theory to practice effectively.

To ensure the continued success of Project 621, HCMA organized two delegations in 2025 to work with global partners to enhance the training curriculum for the Lao People's Revolutionary Party at HCMA.

Based on the practical implementation, in 2025, Project 621 successfully organized four research and thematic exchange classes to update knowledge for leadership and management positions according to the tenure of the Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. The project also implemented research and developed training programs to update professional knowledge in journalism and communications for leaders and managers of Lao news and press agencies. Additionally, it researched and developed professional training programs for officials of the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee. To date, the Project 621 Office has coordinated with relevant units and project chairs to complete content and financial appraisals and is proceeding with the next steps.

Beyond the aforementioned activities, the Project also participated in organizing conferences, seminars, periodic progress assessments, and the exchange of information regarding public official training. It coordinated the organization of joint training programs between HCMA, various training institutions in Laos, and international partners.

During the discussions, delegates affirmed that the training of public officials and international students for Laos is always identified by HCMA as a special political task. Units across the entire HCMA system maintain a consistent spirit of providing Lao students with special affection, fraternity, and high responsibility. This includes assigning highly experienced lecturers with professional expertise and active teaching methods; ensuring staff have deep responsibility and understanding of the country, people, and revolutionary cause of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party; employing staff experienced in managing international students; and ensuring the best possible conditions for the lives of Lao students during their studies and research at HCMA.

HCMA consistently prioritizes supporting students under the best possible conditions, ensuring policies and benefits are met, and regularly visiting and assisting Lao students facing difficulties. It provides encouragement, frequently organizes cultural exploration activities, and ensures sound financing for teaching, learning, and living allowances, helping students feel secure in their training and successfully complete their prescribed curricula.

The conference also highlighted difficulties and obstacles in implementing the cooperation content. These include: coordination mechanisms between relevant agencies of both sides that remain unclear in certain areas; the determination of quotas and training content; and enrollment dossiers that are occasionally not in the correct format or submitted on time. There is also a lack of seamless connection and exchange in scientific information cooperation to serve research and management training. Furthermore, input standards and Vietnamese language proficiency remain limited, particularly for students in long-term programs, which affects training quality to some extent.

Based on these realities, delegates proposed and recommended specific measures to relevant agencies of both nations regarding coordination, the standardization of enrollment dossiers, conditions, standards, and majors. They also suggested advising the Prime Ministers of the two countries to prioritize investment funding and strengthen facilities for training to match the importance of the assigned tasks.