VN-Laos discuss 2010 co-operation
HA NOI — The Viet Nam-Laos Inter-governmental Committee convened a meeting in the Lao province of Xieng Khouang yesterday to review the results of co-operation in the first half of the year and discuss major tasks for the remainder of 2010. The session was co-chaired by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung, head of the Vietnamese sub-committee; and his Lao counterpart, Somsavad Lengsavad.
The two sides agreed on a draft strategy on economic, cultural, scientific and technological co-operation for the 2011-20 period; and an agreement on economic, cultural, scientific and technological co-operation for the 2011-15 period.
They emphasised the need to step up bilateral co-operation in training and developing human resources, while accelerating the planting of border markers, which should be finished by 2014. They also agreed on the importance of effectively using non-refundable aid, while striving to reach targets in two-way trade.
The two sides also agreed to co-ordinate closely on licensing businesses from both nations, developing traffic systems, and organising a Lao culture week in Viet Nam in early December to celebrate the country's National Day.
Statistics show that a total of 4,888 Lao students are studying in Viet Nam, while 463 Vietnamese students are taking part in training courses in Laos. The Vietnamese Government has allocated VND33.5 billion (US$1.7 million) to build 11 dormitories for Lao students.
Since the beginning of this year, the two nations have built 149 border markers and defined locations for the construction of 83 others.
Bilateral trade reached US$212 million in the first six months of this year, an increase of 8 per cent against the same period in 2009.
Viet Nam is one of the leading foreign investors in Laos, with 219 projects capitalised at $2.41 billion up to the end of May. — VNS