President Truong Tan Sang has suggested Vietnamese and Lao leaders enhance the exchange of delegations to discuss issues in politics, foreign affairs, economics and national defence and security.
The president made the proposal at a reception for Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad in Hanoi on January 9, during which he praised Laos’ increasingly competitive investment situation, growing processing industry and fast-improving services.
He suggested the country learn from the experiences of regional countries in development in order to roll out its own models for sustainable economic growth in the time ahead.
In reply, Deputy PM Lengsavad said that during his visit he aims to consult the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam about macro-economic stability.
Noting similarities shared by the two countries in economic management, he said Vietnam’s experience has significantly helped Laos in its financial management.
The same day, Lengsavad was received by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who voiced his belief that the visit will actively contribute to the special friendship between the two countries.
He underlined the great achievements made in bilateral cooperative ties, especially in economics, trade, investment, education and training.
The host affirmed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam have always attached importance to and given top priority to consolidating the traditional relationship and special solidarity with Laos .
Deputy PM Phuc suggested the Lao Government, together with its Vietnamese partner, accelerate the implementation of previously reached agreements, including the strategic project for the 2008-2015 period which has set a target of raising the bilateral trade to 2 billion USD in 2015.
Lengsavad pledged to help Vietnamese businesses operating in his country as best he could. He underscored the need for the two countries’ ministries and localities to implement solutions reached by their high-ranking leaders while overcoming difficulties hindering enterprises in investment, business and social welfare.
During his stay in Vietnam, the Lao Deputy PM also held a working session with the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Nguyen Van Binh.
At the meeting, Governor Binh explained Vietnam’s complex economic situation to his guest, as well as the socio-economic changes the country has embraced to get the country back on track.
He also briefed Lengsavad on the country’s monetary and banking policy in order to achieve macro-economic recovery and sustainable growth.
The Lao leader said Vietnam’s experience in overcoming difficulties to ensure sustainable economic development, especially in recent years, is of particular significance to his country’s socio-economic development.
He expressed his hope to receive more support from Vietnam to help his country in its economic management./.
