In his opening remarks, Deputy General Director Nguyen Duc Hoa warmly welcomed the Lao delegation, emphasizing the strong historical ties between Vietnam and Laos. He noted that the close cooperation between VSS and Lao social security agencies, highlighted by the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and Action Program. This agreement provides a legal framework for strengthening bilateral social security cooperation and ensuring maximum benefits for the people and enterprises of both countries.

 VSS deputy general director Nguyen Duc Hoa delivers remarks at the working session

VSS deputy general director Nguyen Duc Hoa emphasized VSS’s commitment to strengthening social security cooperation with the Lao DPR.

“The working visit led by Dr. Snong Thongsna underscores the strong friendship and mutual development between the two countries in the field of social security. This collaboration aims to maximize benefits for the people and businesses of both nations,” he said.

Dr. Snong Thongsna and the Lao delegation at the working session

Addressing the working visit, Dr. Snong Thongsna thanked VSS for facilitating the Lao delegation’s visit and work in social security in Vietnam. He commended the strong cooperation between VSS and Laos social security agencies over the past time and expressed optimism about future collaboration. The goal is to enhance mutual capacity in implementing social security policies and improve service quality for the people and businesses of both sides.

 VSS deputy general director Nguyen Duc Hoa presents gifts to Dr. Snong Thongsna and the delegates

During the working session, VSS representatives presented an overview of the VSS operating system, financial management practices for the Health Insurance Fund, strategies for financial sustainability, and efforts to expand universal health insurance coverage in Vietnam. The two sides exchanged experiences in addressing challenges related to social insurance and health insurance implementation, utilizing information technology, administrative reform and developing consulting and customer care services.

 Vietnam and Laos commit to further strengthen the comprehensive cooperation to improve capacity in implementing social security policies

As part of their working visit, the Lao delegation met with VSS units on September 12 to exchange and share experiences in social security implementation. The VSS Portal will continue to provide updates on these working sessions.