A workshop discussing measures to promote investment and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Laos took place in Vientiane on July 27.

The event was jointly organised by the National Assemblies of Vietnam and Laos, the Association of Vietnam Investors in Laos and the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV).

Participants at the workshop focused their discussions on economic development and investment policies of Vietnam and Laos, the two countries’ experiences in financial and monetary management and their preparations for joining the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.

The event is expected to help the two sides to have an overview of their economies to define orientations for economic development in the future.

Addressing the event, Lao National Assembly Vice Chairman Saysomphon Phomvihan said the workshop not only helps the two countries to strengthen investment cooperation but also assists Laos in preparing legal documents and its integration into the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.

Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Uong Chu Luu underlined the significance of the event in the context where each economy sees both advantages and challenges.

He said the workshop contributes to fostering cooperation between the two assemblies, thus further deepening the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

On the occasion, BIDV presented Laos’ Fund for preventing dengue with 100,000 USD and 15,000 sets of blanket and mosquito net worth almost 7 billion VND.-VNA