An international scientific workshop themed “Socio-economic development in Vietnam and Laos in the period of 2001-2010” was held in the Lao capital city of Vientiane on July 25.

The workshop heard 21 opinions and brought together almost 100 writings of scientists, state management organs and leaders of economic groups of both Vietnam and Laos .

These opinions and writing focused four subjects, including breakthrough stages and macroeconomic growth model; economic restructuring and development of key economic sectors in Laos ; foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction and international economic integration; human resource development and ensuring social security.

Participants said that in recent years, Laos has pursued a model of extensive growth by fully tapping its advantages and natural conditions such as land, forests, minerals and hydraulic power, thus achieving a high growth rate in consecutive years and increasing per capita incomes.

They also suggested a new growth model for the Lao economy in the 2010 – 2020 period and the following years, which combines both extensive and intensive growth and then switch to intensive growth.

The workshop was jointly organised by the National Economics University of Vietnam, and the National Social Science Institute and the National University of Laos./.