Lao central provinces promote trade, tourism in HCM City hinh anh 1Scene at the conference calling for investment in the three central Lao provinces of Savannakhet, Bolykhamsay and Khammouane took place in Ho Chi Minh City on July 19 (Photo: VNA)

HCM City (VNA) – A conference calling for investment in the three central Lao provinces of Savannakhet, Bolykhamsay and Khammouane took place in Ho Chi Minh City on July 19.

[HCM City, central Lao provinces boost cooperation]

Addressing the function, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem stated Ho Chi Minh City considers Laos a strategic market with great potentials for investment, trade and tourism activities.
He urged local companies to study the Lao market and assist the country’s socio-economic growth. 

Liem asked authorities in the three provinces to facilitate the operation of foreign investors, including those from his city.

Holding strategic locations in Laos’ East-West economic corridor, Savannakhet, Bolykhamsay and Khammouane are offering preferential policies for foreign investors in advanced technology, processing of agricultural produce, eco-tourism, education, and health.

Savannakhet governor Santiphap Phomvihane noted Vietnam is the third biggest foreign investor in his province, with 24 projects worth 170 million USD.

The number of Vietnamese investors is on the rise, as is the scope of their investment sectors, he added.

Khammouane deputy governor Bunmy Phimmason said his province has potentials to develop the power and mining sectors, in addition to a convenient transport infrastructure.

Khammouane is committed to providing the most possible conditions for investors in terms of land sources and taxation, he stressed.

Leaders of the three province said they want enterprises from Ho Chi Minh City to organise regular trade promotion activities in their localities, contributing to sound collaboration between the two countries.

The conference was held by Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC).

More than 30 firms in Ho Chi Minh City have so far channeled over 250 million USD into projects in Laos.-VNA 
VNA