Lao leaders appreciated the cooperation between their Ministry of Planning and Investment (MoPI) and its Vietnamese counterpart during separate meetings with Vietnamese officials in Vientiane on March 18.

Minister Bui Quang Vinh (L) and his Lao counteprart Somdy Doungdy

At the meeting with Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh informed the host about the outcomes of a working session between the two MoPIs earlier the same day.

He said that during the past years, the two ministries have cooperated closely, regularly exchanged experience, and jointly coordinated Vietnamese projects in Laos.

The two MoPIs will tighten their connection in the time ahead to thoroughly manage and examine Vietnamese investments so as to remove ineffective projects and improve overall investment quality, he added.

PM Thongsing Thammavong spoke highly of the fruitful cooperation between the ministries and described the partnership as a considerable contribution to Laos’s economic development.

He said he hopes that amidst the growing trend of integration in the region and the world, the ministries will work more closely to fulfill missions tasked by the countries’ Parties and States, thus helping to solidify the Vietnam – Laos special relationship.

The leader also took this occasion to thank Vietnamese businesses investing in Laos, affirming that Vietnamese firms have helped with his country’s economic growth.

Also on March 18, the Vietnamese delegation was welcomed by Lao Deputy PM Somsavad Lengsavath, who also lauded the affiliation between the MoPIs.

The same day, the visiting officials and the Lao ministry, led by Minister Somdy Doungdy, had a working session during which they discussed very straightforwardly their attainments and failures.

They agreed to strengthen collaboration, stringently monitor Vietnam’s investment projects in Laos, and determinedly remove ineffective projects.

On late March 18, Deputy PM Somsavad Lengsavath presented Laos’s Issara Order (first class) for Minister Bui Quang Vinh. The order is a noble award of the Lao State to recognise the official’s significant contributions to the country’s development as well as to bilateral relations.

VNA