Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavad Lengsavath has highly valued the investment efficiency of Vietnamese businesses in his country.

The Deputy PM hosted a reception for Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, deputy head of the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Sub-committee, on May 26 in Vientiane.

A Politburo member and head of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Sub-committee, Lengsavath said he hopes the two sides will work more closely to remove all obstacles in their bilateral partnership and investment ties, contributing to consolidating Laos-Vietnam special relations.

Dung expressed his deep sympathies over the recent plane crash which killed several officials from the country’s defence ministry, stating that the tragedy represents a great loss for the Party, State and Government of Laos.

He thanked the Lao Government for creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese investors. He noted that the two countries have expanded their bilateral cooperation in various fields, including politics, defence, security, economics, trade and socio-culture.

Some large Vietnam-funded projects, such as the 522.4 million USD rock salt plant, have shown the interest of Vietnamese investors in Laos, he stated.

Dung, who is also a member of the Party Central Committee, also thanked the Lao Government for the high consensus that it shows towards the ASEAN Statement on the East Sea issue.

He noted that facing the tension in the East Sea, Vietnam is determined to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity through peaceful methods in accordance with international law.

The same day, Dung was also received by Thongloun Sisoulith, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.-VNA