Vietnam and Laos to speed up key infrastructure connection projects
VOV.VN - Vietnam and Laos should work closely together to speed up key infrastructure connection projects, including the Hanoi – Vientiane expressway and Vientiane – Vung Ang port rail route, said Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Receiving Laos Investment Minister Phet Phomphiphak in Hanoi on August 19, Chinh proposed that the two sides timely resolve pending issues to support the implementation of ongoing projects in Laos and undertake new projects in fields such as energy, mining, mineral processing, agriculture, tourism, and education.
He welcomed the results of the August 16 conference to implement the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Plan Agreement in 2024 and promote the 2021-2025 cooperation agreement. He appreciated the Vietnam – Laos Cooperation Committee removing many difficulties and obstacles in key cooperation projects to facilitate bilateral cooperation in many fields.
The Cooperation Committee should further enhance its coordinating role in making recommendations and putting forward solutions to pending problems, he stressed.
According to the PM, the Governments of Vietnam and Laos are drastically directing and completely handling a number of difficulties and obstacles for a number of projects using Vietnamese aid to Laos and Vietnamese invested projects in Laos in the coming time.
Vietnam follows with keen interest Laos’ socio-economic development to further seek effective and practical solutions to support its neighbour, he told his guest.
Phomphiphak for his part welcomed Chinh’s proposals and said the Vietnam – Laos Cooperation Committee would coordinate closely with relevant agencies of the two countries to effectively implement high-level agreements reached by their top leaders.
He said Laos is actively improving its investment and business environment to create favourable conditions for foreign businesses, including those from Vietnam, to operate effectively in the country.
Bilateral trade in this year’s first half rose 11.1% to reach US$927.8 million, including US$289.2 million from Vietnamese exports.
Vietnam continues to maintain its position as the third largest investor in Laos. So far, Vietnamese businesses have poured US$5.5 billion into 255 projects in Laos, with many projects operating effectively, contributing to local socio-economic development.
