Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on March 15 held a meeting with his Lao counterpart Thongsing Thammavong to discuss ways to boost cooperative ties between the two countries.

Both leaders expressed their pleasure at the developing cooperative relations between the two countries, especially in economics, trade and investment.

In 2012, two-way trade reached 850 million USD, an increase of 17 percent against the previous year. The same year, Vietnam became one of Laos ’ leading investors with 440 projects and a total capital investment of 5.38 billion USD.

The two leaders affirmed that they will create all favourable conditions for businesses from both sides to cooperate in economics, trade and investment.

They directed the ministries, departments and localities to effectively implement the agreements signed between the two countries, which aim to significantly develop bilateral cooperation in the coming time.

The meeting is part of Dung’s working tour of Laos ’ northern provinces , including Houaphan and Xieng Khouang.

While in Houaphan, Dung offered incense at the Vietnamese Volunteer Soldiers Monument , and Lao Heroes and Martyrs Monument .

Dung and the Lao PM also attended a ceremony to begin construction on Vieng Xay Revolutionary Museum and improvements to Pha Deng Cave historical relic.-VNA