Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc arrived in Hanoi on the evening of February 5, finishing his activities within the framework of the 40th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee in Vientiane, Laos.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc

At the meeting co-chaired by Phuc and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith, the two PMs showed the delight at the results of comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

In 2017, two-way trade hit over 935 million USD, a rise of nearly 13.6 percent over 2016, surpassing the yearly target.

Vietnamese enterprises have registered to invest in 411 projects worth about 3.7 billion USD in Laos, 43 percent of which, or 1.6 billion USD, have been disbursed. 

In 2018, the leaders agreed to focus on implementing the joint statement and agreements reached by senior leaders, as well as deals between ministries, sectors and localities, including those reached during this meeting. 

They will double efforts to achieve a 10 percent growth in two-way trade, while expanding collaboration in human resources training, investing in transport infrastructure projects to connect the two countries, and coordinating in managing the sustainable use of water and natural resources.

They will also support and cooperate with each other at regional and international organisations and forums.

This is the second time the Vietnamese and Lao PMs have co-chaired a meeting of the bilateral Inter-Governmental Committee, showing the determination of leaders of both countries in effectively implementing cooperation agreements in 2018.   

After the meeting, the two PMs witnessed the signing of 12 cooperation documents of ministries, departments and localities in the fields of economics, trade, investment, education-training and energy – the highest number signed in a meeting between the two sides.

Also in Vientiane, PM Phuc met with General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith and Chairwoman of the country’s National Assembly Pany Yathotou.

He affirmed that the Communist Party of Vietnam, the State, Government and people of Vietnam always give the highest priority to the enhancement of the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Laos, considering these as priceless and vital for their countries’ revolutionary causes.

PM Phuc and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith joined about 1,000 Vietnamese people in Laos at a celebration for the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) festival in Vientiane on February 4

They also visited telecommunications company Star Telecom, a joint venture between Lao Asia Telecom and Vietnam’s Viettel Group.-VNA