Vietnam, Laos aim at 10% growth in two-way trade
(VOVWORLD) -Vietnam and Laos agreed to increase bilateral trade by 10% this year during the 40th meeting of their Inter-Governmental Committee in Vientiane, Laos, on Monday.
 PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith. |
The meeting was co-chaired by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith. Both sides reviewed cooperation during 2017 and agreed to focus on implementing joint statements reached by senior leaders, expanding collaboration in human resources training, investing in transport infrastructure projects between the two countries, and managing the sustainable use of water and natural resources. They pledged to support and cooperate with each other at regional and international organizations and forums.
 The 40th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee takes place in Vientiane, Laos, on February 5, 2018. It is co-chaired by Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith. |
Vietnamese investors have registered 3.7 billion USD across more than 410 projects in Laos. In 2017, two-way trade hit over 930 million USD, surpassing the set target. This is the second time the Vietnamese and Lao Prime Ministers have co-chaired a meeting of the bilateral Inter-Governmental Committee.
“The successful meeting opens a new chapter in the specially strategic relationship between the two countries. This time, we signed 12 important documents and will try to put 8 major projects into operation by the time of the next meeting,” Prime Minister Phuc told a press briefing after the meeting.
The same day, Prime Minister Phuc met Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Vorachith and National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotou. Mr Phuc said that Vietnam gives top priority to its traditional relations and special solidarity with Laos, considering them an invaluable asset of the countries’ revolutionary causes.