Vietnam, Laos to focus on effective investment

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam and Laos need to strengthen cooperation and improve the
quality and effectiveness of their cross investments, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung
said on February 11.

He made these comments whilst receiving Lao Minister of Planning and Investment
Singlavong Khoutphaythoune, who is on a visit to Vietnam .

Minister Khoutphaythoune briefed the Prime Minister on the results of his
Vietnam visit, particularly the signing of an agreement between the two
ministries of planning and investment governing their cooperation in 2009.

The two ministries also exchanged experiences in tackling the current global
economic crisis and discussed measures to promote Vietnamese investment in Laos
, the minister said.

The cooperation between the two ministries over recent years has resulted in the
success of numerous large-scale projects, including hydropower plants, mining
operations and plantations, which were to the mutual benefit of both sides, he
added.

Khoutphaythoune said he hoped that Vietnam would continue to give assistance to
Laos, particularly in helping his ministry to formulate its seventh five-year plan
for the 2011-2015 period, provide training for Lao officers and sending experts to
Laos to help it deal with the global economic crisis.

Prime Minister Dung praised the results of working sessions held by the Lao and
Vietnamese ministries of planning and investment, and expressed happiness at
positive developments in the traditional cooperation and special friendship that
has long-existed between the two countries.

Despite the challenges posed by the global economic recession, cooperation between
Vietnam and Laos during 2008 yielded success, as evidenced by increased
bilateral trade and the effectiveness of Vietnam 's investment in Laos , Dung
said.

The Prime Minister expressed his hope that the two ministries would focus on this
effectiveness in the execution of cooperation programmes in 2009, particularly in
helping Vietnamese businesses to overcome difficulties when investing in Laos ,
and controlling projects' funds to ensure their progress and quality.-Enditem