The cooperation sub-committee of Vietnam has met with its Lao partner to review the implementation of agreements reached between the two governments in 2013.

At the meeting co-chaired by the Vice Chairman of the Vietnam-Laos cooperation sub-committee Cao Viet Sinh and his counterpart Phonesouk Khun Sombat from October 26-31 in the central province of Quang Tri, the two sides also discussed preparations for the 36 th session of the two countries’ Inter-governmental Committee in early 2014.

According to a report by the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam has funded 413 projects worth 4.9 billion USD in Laos.

Particularly, in the first 10 months of this year, Vietnam invested in 12 projects valued at 138 million USD.

The two sides have worked together to implement joint projects in trade, education, security and order in border areas.

Cao Viet Sinh said during the year, the two countries have implemented cooperation activities in many fields. However, more needs to be done, he added.

On the grounds of their traditional cooperation and friendship, the two countries will find solutions to boost comprehensive cooperation in a constructive and cooperative spirit, Sinh said.

According to Phonesouk Khun Sombat, this is the second year the two sides have implemented the non-refundable aid programme, which has been effective and needs to be expanded.

While mentioning some problems that need to be addressed, he asked the two Ministries of Industry and Trade to seek ways to increase the two countries’ trade value.

He also requested the two sides to continue cooperation in education and human resources training, among others.

At the meeting, both sides adopted a report on the outcomes of the expert-level meeting of the Vietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam cooperation sub-committees on October 29, which focused on cooperation in politics, diplomacy, security and defence, education-training and human resources development, foreign direct investment, trade, transport and the use of aid.

The two sides exchanged views and agreed upon cooperation contents which need to be further promoted, especially the building of clusters of villages, the management of Sekaman 1 and Sekaman 3 hydropower plants, and the implementation of programmes and projects funded by Vietnam.

The two sides also talked difficulties in some cooperation fields and exchanged views on their cooperation orientations as well as measures to strengthen joint activities in the time to come.-VNA