Vietnamese Deputy PM Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and his Lao counterpart Somsavath Lengsavad have co-chaired the 34th session of the Việt Nam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee on socio-economic, scientific and technological cooperation in Vientiane, Laos.
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The overall of the Việt Nam-Laos Joint Committee 34th session, Vientiane, Laos, January 7, 2012 - Photo:VGP
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At the five-day session that wrapped up on January 7, both sides reviewed the implementation of agreements on socio-economic, scientific and technological cooperation signed in 2011.
In 2011, Việt Nam and Laos boosted cooperation in education and training, closely coordinated at multilateral forums and reached high consensus on international and regional issues. Both countries have collaborated in implementing the Vietnamese-funded projects in Laos.
In addition, the two countries’ ministries, branches and localities also increased the exchange of experiences in culture, sports, museums and other fields.
Both sides agreed to effectively implement the statements and agreements reached between the two countries and hosting the Year of Việt Nam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity in 2012.
They were unanimous in popularizing the project on the history of Việt Nam-Laos special ties, increasing the exchange of information and jointly implementing commitments in cooperation programs within the multilateral cooperation framework, including ASEAN, the Greater Mekong Sub-Region (GMS) and the East West Economic Corridor (EWEC).
The two sides also agreed to soon sign a new investment protection and encouragement agreement this year to replace the one issued in 1996.
Both sides decided to focus on implementing the two countries’ trade development scheme for 2008-2015 period, complete the building of the Việt Nam-Laos border trade development master plan and coordinate with Cambodia to soon sign the tripartite road transport agreement./.