Da Nang city called a meeting on November 30 to mark the 35th National Day of Laos (December 2), highlighting a special friendship with the neighbouring country at both national and local levels.
Addressing the event held by the municipal Union of Friendship Organisations, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Van Huu Chien emphasized efforts made by the central city to boost bilateral relations.
“Da Nang -- an economic hub of central Vietnam, one of key positions along the East-West economic corridor and a gateway to the Pacific Ocean -- has tirelessly done its best to contribute to the special friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos,” Chien said.
He added that a number of events were held for the exchange of culture, sports and arts, increasing mutual understanding of the land, culture and policies between the Da Nang citizens and Lao people.
For his part, Lao Consul General in Da Nang city Vansa Launhiada elaborated on Vietnam’s great assistance for Laos during its 35-year-long revolutionary history, especially in two prolonged wars against foreign aggressors.
He also highly valued the comprehensive and friendly cooperation with Vietnam in general and Da Nang city in particular, describing Vietnam as a close friend and a loyal comrade of Laos .
Da Nang has so far signed 24 accords of cooperation with numerous local administrations of Laos , including Vientiane capital and Savannaket province. Most of the accords cover production and business, urban planning, agriculture, healthcare, education, culture and social affairs.
Four businesses from Da Nang are investing in Laos with a combined investment of almost 51.4 million USD. In 2009, municipal business circles earned over 23 million USD from exports to Laos .
Over 400 Lao officials and students have received scholarships for tertiary education in Da Nang universities.
On this occasion, a Da Nang delegation led by municipal Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Ba Thanh paid a visit to the Lao Consulate General./.
