Vietnam, Laos boost investment cooperation
(VOV) - Vietnam and Laos will work closely together to ease difficulties for businesses to implement investment projects.
The agreement was reached at the 35th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-governmental Committee for Economic, Cultural and Scientific and Technological Cooperation in Vinh Phuc province on December 19.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Lao counterpart Somsavat Lengsavad said the two sides will meet frequently to share information and speed up Vietnamese-invested projects in Laos.
They agreed to increase two-way trade turnover by 25 percent in 2013, promote transport cooperation, use Vietnamese development aid efficiently, and continue preferential taxation treatment for goods made in each country.
They also agreed to implement high-level agreements stated in the 2011-2020 Vietnam-Laos cooperation strategy, including popularizing the history of the special relationship and the combat alliance between the two countries in their schools.
Phuc and Lengsavad shared the view that Vietnam-Laos relations have developed well in all areas in 2012. The two countries have successfully organized a host of activities marking the Friendship and Solidarity Year.
* Lao leader affirms ties with Vietnam
* NA Chairman committed to assisting Laos
* Vietnam, Laos speed up cooperation programmes
Two-way trade turnover is expected to increase 17 percent to US$850 million compared to 2011. Vietnam is currently the third largest foreign investor in Laos.
To date more than 6,400 Lao officials and students have taken part in training courses at institutions across Vietnam.
The two leaders signed a Vietnam-Laos cooperation strategy in Houaphanh and Xieng Khouang provinces, a protocol on amendments to the current investment encouragement and protection agreement, a Vietnam-Laos cooperation agreement in 2013, and the minutes of the meeting.