VN, Laos never cease to boost special friendship
VNGOVNet – Vietnam’s Party, State, Government and people are glad to see the great achievements gained by Laos over the recent past. Vietnam is willing to share its experience and assist Laos in any field for socio-economic development in order to further the two countries’ traditional cooperative friendly ties.
The 29th meeting of the Cooperation Committee of the Vietnamese
and Lao governments – Photo: VNGOVNet
Vietnamese Standing Deputy PM Nguyễn Sinh Hùng affirmed so at the 29th meeting of the Cooperation Committee of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Government and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic held in Hanoi on January 7, 2007. The meeting was attended on the Lao side by Deputy PM Somsavath Lengsavath as well as leaders of the two countries’ ministries, sectors and the Committee’s members.
The meeting was organized at a time when the two countries’ parties, States and peoples are ebulliently collaborating with each other in celebrative activities for the 45th anniversary of the establishment of mutual diplomatic ties and the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Friendship and Cooperation Agreement with a view to furthering the long-standing traditional brotherhood, special unity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. The two countries’ cooperation in economy, culture, science and technology kept growing well in 2006 and significant achievements have been made in many fields, particularly education and training, agriculture and irrigation, trade, investment, transport and telecommunication, and border issues. Two-way trade turnover in 2006 reached US$ 240 million, increasing by 48% against 2005. Last year, Vietnam provided a nonrefundable aid of VND 180 billion to Laos. Between October 2005 and December 2006, Vietnam invested in Laos a total US$ 72 million. Vietnamese business is now interested in investing in wood processing, transport, hydroelectricity, mining, and rubber planting in Laos.
The signing of the meeting minutes and the Cooperation Agreement 2007
– Photo: VNGOVNet
Deputy PM Nguyễn Sinh Hùng pushed for further comprehensive cooperation between the two countries’ businesses; boost investment in transport, infrastructure, and shopping centers at border gates; build tapioca, pulp and lac mills; and enlarge cooperation in television and long-term training in culture and arts. The Deputy PM suggested the reduction of import and export tariffs and diversification of goods exchanged between the two countries. He advocated an inclusive scheme of cooperation between the two armies, police and border committees, so that in 2007 it is possible to complete the placement of border markers along the whole Vietnam-Laos borderline. He agreed to Laos’ proposal for Vietnam’s help in training athletes and organizing the SEA Games 2009 in Laos. The Deputy PM also suggested the establishment of a Vietnamese language department at the Lao National University.
At the meeting, the two Deputy PMs agreed to organize a bilateral business forum where Vietnamese and Lao enterprises can exchange and search for business opportunities.
On the same day, the two governments signed the minutes of the 29th Cooperation Committee Meeting and the Cooperation Agreement in 2007.
By Xuân Hồng
