Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Lao counterpart Thongsing Thammavong agreed to conclude negotiations on the signing of a new bilateral trade agreement, which forms the legal framework for achieving the two countries’ goal of 2 billion USD in trade by 2015.

The agreement is part of efforts to strengthen economic, trade and investment ties, as declared by the two leaders on the sidelines of the eighth Summit of the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle in Vientiane, Laos on November 24.

Thammavong thanked Vietnam for its annual provision of official development assistance as well as scholarships for Lao students.

The Vietnamese PM suggested Laos offer all comprehensive support to the Vietnamese community living in the country.

Both host and guest spoke highly of the outcomes of the 36 th conference of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-governmental Committee in Vientiane, and consented to actively prepare for the 37 th conference scheduled for early next year.

Discussing regional issues of shared concern, they promised to work together closely in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other regional and sub-regional mechanisms.

Cambodia, Vietnam push for US$5 billion trade in 2015

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Techo Hun Sen agreed in talks in Vientiane, Laos on November 24 to strive towards US$5 billion in trade next year on the sidelines of the eighth Summit of the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle.

Apart from bolstering economic, trade and investment ties, they also vowed to work closely on national defence and security.

Hailing the past efforts on border demarcation, the two PMs reiterated their determination to conclude the task soon, contributing to building a border of peace, friendship, stability and development.

Vietnam and Cambodia will offer assistance and equal treatment to expatriates living in their respective countries, they pledged.

With regard to global and regional issues of shared concern, both host and guest avowed to work together closely at multilateral forums, such as the United Nations, and other regional and sub-regional mechanisms.

VNA/VNN