(VOVworld)- The  Steering Committee for the Northwestern region of Vietnam and the Lao Central Steering Committee on Rural Development and Poverty Reduction held a conference on strengthening bilateral cooperation in poverty reduction in Vientiane, Laos on Monday. Mec Phan Lac, Deputy Head of the Lao Central Steering Committee on Rural Development and Poverty Reduction praised the efficiency of the bilateral cooperation in poverty reduction and economic development in the shared border areas.  The representatives agreed to strengthen social policies between the two countries and accelerate signed agreements for further bilateral ties.