Vietnam’s economic diplomacy from 2001 to 2020: Experiences and policy lessons for Laos

Vietnam represents a notable case of integrating economic diplomacy into its socio-economic development strategy while simultaneously enhancing its international standing during the period 2001 - 2020. Drawing on an analysis of practical experiences across three stages of development, this study clarifies Vietnam’s key achievements in attracting foreign direct investment, negotiating and implementing new-generation free trade agreements, and transitioning from aid dependence toward proactive international integration. From the perspective of policy transfer, the article evaluates the potential for adapting Vietnam’s economic diplomacy experience to the Laos context, with particular attention to strategic planning, human resource development, negotiation capacity building, and the effective utilization of foreign direct investment and official development assistance. The findings indicate that the selective adaptation of Vietnam’s economic diplomacy model is feasible for Laos if appropriately adjusted to its national conditions and development objectives toward 2030.