Concluding his official visit to Laos, State President Truong Tan Sang met with the Vietnamese business community in the host country on March 25.

After listening to thoughts and expectations from Vietnamese investors, State President Sang lauded the performance of outstanding enterprises such as the Laos-Vietnam Bank, Viettel and the Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group for creating sources of livelihood for the locals and improving their living standards.

He also highlighted the participation of Vietnamese businesses in welfare programmes in Laos and the 2 billion USD targeted trade revenue between the two nations this year.

The same day, the President received President of the Lao-Vietnam Friendship Association Phankham Viphavanh, who is also Lao Deputy Prime Minister.

During the meeting, President Sang hailed the association’s significant contributions to developing the Vietnam-Lao comprehensive cooperation and promoting mutual understanding and solidarity between the two peoples.

He hoped the association would generate additional initiatives to enhance ties, particularly among the younger generation.

Phankham Viphavanh said his agency intends to diversify its communication programmes in a bid to cement the traditional friendship.-VNA