Lao businesses gathered at their ninth conference in Vientiane on December 3 to seek measures to facilitate business and investment activities ahead of the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

Participants reviewed the implementation of the 7 th socio-economic development plan and discussed preparations for the next plan.

They also pointed out advantages and disadvantages in fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with a view to bringing Laos out of the list of underdeveloped nations in 2020.

The conference called on domestic and foreign businesses to further develop production and business, especially in the fields of agriculture, processing industry, construction materials and infrastructure building.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Investment and Planning, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and development partners, saw the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Somsavad Lengsavath and 300 represtnatives from businesses across the country.-VNA