(MPI) - On February 5th, 2018, the 40th meeting of the Vietnam- Laos Intergovernmental Committee on bilateral cooperation between the two countries was held in Vientiane, Laos. Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulith co-chaired the meeting.
At the meeting, the two sides expressed their delight and highly appreciated the comprehensive cooperation results between the two countries. In 2017, the two countries had effectively deploying the High-level Agreement and agreements between the ministries, branches, and localities. Especially, the "Vietnam-Laos, Laos- Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017"; the 55th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the 40th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation were well organized.
Cooperation in the fields of politics, foreign affairs, national defense & security, economy, socio-culture and people-to-people exchanges has been increasingly strengthened and developed widely and deeply. Especially, the education - training has been boosted, there are now more than 14 thousand Lao students pursuing studies in Vietnam.
In addition, the new mechanism in coordinating, enhancing the cooperation between the two countries has promoted effectively. Currently, Vietnamese businesses have registered to invest 411 projects in Laos with approximately 3.7 billion USD, the total accumulated realized capital reached above 1.6 billion USD, equivalent to 43%, many operating projects achieved good results. Two-way trade turnover in 2017 reached over 935 million USD, up nearly 13.6% as compared to 2016, exceeded the target.
Regarding cooperation orientation in 2018, the two countries had agreed to focus on implementing the Joint Statements and Agreements reached by the two countries' leaders and the agreements between the ministries, branches, and localities of the two countries. These include the agreement at the 40th meeting of the Vietnam- Laos Intergovernmental Committee on bilateral cooperation; promoting the political relations, foreign affairs, security, defense, investment and trade, striving to increase two-way trade turnover in 2018 by 10% as compared to 2017; expanding cooperation in human resources training, transportation infrastructure to connect the two countries; collaborative management in sustainable use of water and natural resources... Based on the spirit of mutual trust, the two countries would support and cooperate well in the international and regional organizations and forums.
In addition, with the motto of action and development, right after the meeting, Vietnam Government would drastically direct ministries, branches, localities, businesses and related units to closely coordinate with Lao partners to deploy and carry out effectively the agreements. Along with that, Vietnam Government also set the goals to facilitate enterprises producing and doing their business in Laos.
At the meeting, the two sides signed 12 documents, including Agreement on cooperation plan in 2018 between the two Governments; Minutes of the 40th meeting of Vietnam – Laos Intergovernmental Committee on bilateral cooperation between the two governments; Agreement on cooperation in investment and development of Vung Ang Port between the two governments; Memorandum of Understanding on energy and mines cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines in 2018; Cooperation plan between the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam and the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos 2018; Agreement on the implementation of the project of mineral survey and geological mapping at scale 1:200 000 in Borikhamxay-Xaysomboun, Laos between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam and the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Laos; Agreement on the implementation of the construction of a High School in Huameuang district, Houaphanh province project between Hoa Binh province, Vietnam and Houaphanh province, Laos; Agreement on the implementation of the projects in Xaysomboun between the High Command of Military Zone 4 and the Xaysomboun Province; MoU on electricity trading from Bualapha district Thermal Power Plant, Khammouane province, Laos with Electricity of Vietnam (EVN); MoU between the EVN, Lao Power Corporation, Hanoi-Vientiane infrastructure and power development joint venture company, and Phongsapthavy group on researching the development of a 500 kV high-voltage transmission line connecting Laos to Vietnam project; MoU between the EVN and Phongsupthavy Irrigation - Bridges Construction Limited Company on the policy of purchasing electricity from some hydropower projects of Phongsapthavy Group in Laos; Agreement on the cooperation and investment on Nam Kong 2, Nam Kong 3, Nam Y Mun and Na An hydropower projects between Chaleun Sekong Company and Song Da 5 Joint Stock Company.
In the meeting, the ceremony of awarding the noble titles to the collective and individuals for their achievements in the Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017 of the two Governments was held ./.
Ministry of Planning and Investment