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Laos, Vietnam further enhance cooperation
Laos and Vietnam have pledged to further enhance their relations and to continue cooperation in the development of various fields.
This was revealed by the Prime Minister’s Office this week after high ranking officials from the two countries met in Vietnam to discuss the strengthening of existing cooperative relations.
Lao officials were led by Deputy Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone, while the Vietnamese delegation was led by his counterpart Mr Truong Hoa Binh.
Dr Sonexay and his delegation are on a short working visit to Vietnam from October 23-29. The visit was in response to an invitation from Mr Binh, aiming to foster the special friendship between the two nations.
During the talks in Hanoi, officials exchanged views and discussed future cooperation.
The two deputy prime ministers said they highly valued their cooperation over past years and discussed ways to promote future collaboration.
Dr Sonexay suggested that the economies of the two countries needed stronger connectivity in terms of trade, investment and transport.
He expressed his wish that Vietnam share its experience in management, macro-economic development programmes, and manufacturing models, together with tourism and agricultural development in rural areas.
Mr Binh called for a review of bilateral coordination in 2017, proposing breakthrough measures to improve cooperation in 2018 and accelerating implementation of the Vietnam-Laos cooperation agreement for 2016-2020, the Vietnam News reported on October 24.
He also suggested that the two nations further enhance their partnership in politics, national defence and security, economic affairs, trade, investment, transport and tourism.
Both sides agreed to continue to celebrate the Vietnam-Laos Year of Solidarity and Friendship 2017, including preparing for the upcoming visit to Vietnam by Lao Party Secretary General and President Bounnhang Vorachit, and educating the younger generations about Vietnam-Laos solidarity, the Vietnam News reported.
Vietnamese investment in Laos has flowed in since the government opened up to foreign investment in 1989. There are now over 100 Vietnamese projects operating in Laos with investment totalling US$3.7 billion, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
Vietnam is among the top three largest investors in Laos, with interests in hydropower, agriculture, mining, small and medium enterprises, and other fields.
Vietnamese investment has provided a major boost to the Lao economy, making a significant contribution to national revenue. Vietnamese projects have also helped Lao people to improve their standard of living.
Laos and Vietnam share a long history of friendship and support, with cooperation not only in education, but also in cultural exchanges and assistance in business, investment and tourism.
The two countries have seen many achievements in cooperation towards each other’s development, strong economic growth, and marked improvement of people’s living conditions.
Source: http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeConten_Laos_251.html