PM attends Development Triangle Summit in Laos

November 25, 2014 | 09:16
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VIENTIANE - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung arrived in the Lao capital of Vientiane yesterday to attend the eighth Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Development Triangle Summit.
PM Nguyen Tan Dung meets his counterpart Thongsing Thammavong yesterday at the eighth Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Development Triangle Summit. - VNA/VNS Photo Duc Tam

His visit is aimed at cementing the traditional friendship, solidarity and development with Laos and all-round ties with Cambodia and at fostering joint programmes in defence, security and socio-economic development.

The Development Triangle is an important mechanism that contributes to the maintenance of political security, stability and social safety in border areas of the three countries.

The mechanism, along with simplified trade procedures, has helped expand trade exchange activities among localities. The three countries' GDP growth averaged 10 percent annually and their annual per capita income reached US$1,340.

During the summit, the leaders will review the implementation of the master plan for socio-economic development of the triangle area until 2020.

They will also evaluate difficulties in the realisation of joint socio-economic development programmes in the region and map out future directions for collaboration.

Negotiations with Laos

Prime Minister Dung and his Lao counterpart Thongsing Thammavong agreed to conclude negotiations on the signing of a new bilateral trade agreement that forms the legal framework for achieving the two countries' goal of US$2 billion in trade by 2015.

The agreement is part of efforts to strengthen economic, trade and investment ties declared by the two leaders on the sidelines of the eighth Summit of the Cambodia-Laos-Viet Nam Development Triangle in Vientiane, Laos yesterday.

Thammavong thanked Viet Nam for its annual provision of official development assistance as well as scholarships for Lao students.

The Vietnamese PM suggested Laos offer comprehensive support to the Vietnamese community in the country.

Both host and guest spoke highly of the outcomes of the 36th conference of the Viet Nam-Laos Inter-governmental Committee in Vientiane and consented to prepare actively for the 37th conference scheduled for early next year.

Discussing regional issues of shared concern, they promised to work together closely in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other regional and sub-regional organisations.

Cambodia trade goal

Dung and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen agreed yesterday to try and achieve US$5 billion in trade next year

Apart from bolstering economic, trade and investment ties, the two leaders also vowed to work closely on national defence and security during the summit.

Hailing past efforts on border demarcation, Dung and Hun Sen both said they hoped to complete the task soon, and continue building a stable, peaceful border area.

Viet Nam and Cambodia would offer assistance and equal treatment to expatriates living in their respective countries, the leaders both said.

With regard to global and regional issues of shared concern, both countries decided to work closely at multilateral forums, such as the UN.

VNS

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