Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Lao
counterpart Somsavath Lengsavad have co-chaired the 34th session of the
Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee on socio-economic, scientific
and technological cooperation in Vientiane, Laos.
At the five-day
session that wrapped up on Jan. 7, both sides reviewed the
implementation of agreements on socio-economic, scientific and
technological cooperation signed in 2011.
In 2011, Vietnam 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 Vietnam-Laos
Friendship and Solidarity in 2012.
They were unanimous in
popularising the project on the history of Vietnam-Laos special ties,
increasing the exchange of information and jointly implementing
commitments in cooperation programmes 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 Vietnam-Laos
border trade development master plan and coordinate with Cambodia to
soon sign the tripartite road transport agreement.
Later the same
day, Deputy PM Phuc and his Lao counterpart Somsavath Lengsavad signed
the minutes of the session and a cooperation agreement in 2012./.
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