HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City celebrated the 40th National Day (December 2, 1975) of Laos with a ceremony on December 1.
Addressing the event, Chairman of the Vietnam – Laos Friendship Association in the Vietnamese southern economic hub Phan Xuan Bien congratulated the Lao people on their National Day, emphasising that Laos and Vietnam are neighbours who have supported each other throughout history, from revolutionary periods to the current national development and protection.
He highlighted massive attainments that Laos has harvested over the past four decades in conducting reform, ensuring political stability, promoting socio-economic development, improving people’s living conditions, and raising the country’s position in the region and the world.
Lao Consul General in HCM City Somxay Sanam-Oune thanked Vietnam in general and HCM City in particular, for their warm sentiment and valuable help towards the Lao people.
He stressed that the relations and solidarity between the two countries have become vital for their respective development, forming a great amity, special unity and comprehensive cooperation.
More than 9,300 Lao officials and students are working and studying in Vietnam while over 420 Vietnamese are pursuing their studies in the neighbouring country, he noted.
The diplomat underlined the flourishing multifaceted ties between HCM City and Lao localities, especially in economics, trade, health care, education and agriculture. The city’s businesses are benefiting from optimal conditions in Laos, particularly in Vientiane capital city and Champasak province which share twinning relations with HCM City.
Vietnam is investing in 261 projects worth some 5.22 billion USD in Laos at present. The two nations aim at 2 billion USD in trade revenue in 2015.-VNA
