Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the statement at the reception for Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Nam Viyaketh in Hanoi on May 4.

Phuc said that the visit is among the practical activities celebrating the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year 2012 and the diplomatic ties, as well as the 35^th anniversary of the signing of friendship and cooperation treaty.

Phuc added that the Vietnamese Government has also supported relevant ministries and agencies of both countries in strengthening cooperation and discussing concrete measures to facilitate business operations and fully tap each nation’s potential to meet the targets set by their top leaders.

Phuc also asked Mr Viyaketh to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to do business in Laos.

For his part, Minister Viyaketh affirmed that his visit aims to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment with Vietnam. He informed his host of the results of working sessions with Vietnam’s relevant ministries and agencies, adding that Laos aims to reach two-way trade turnover of US$1 billion this year and US$2 billion by 2015.

Minister Viyaketh also highlighted Vietnamese businesses’ operations in Laos, especially Hoang Anh Gia Lai group, which have contributed to boosting economic growth, and implementing social affairs projects in the country, especially poverty reduction.

He affirmed that Laos will continue to facilitate Vietnamese enterprises’ production and business activities.