Vietnam, Laos look towards US$2 billion in trade next year

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

Illustration photo (Photo: Thai Thien)

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 provisions of official development assistance as well as scholarships for Lao students.

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

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

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

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)