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Lao, Chinese officials eye closer cooperation
Officials from Laos and Xishuangbana province in China have held talks in Vientiane to discuss their growing cooperation.
During the meeting on Friday Vice President of the Lao-China Cooperation Committee, Ms Khemmani Pholsena, reported that in fiscal year 2009-2010, GDP growth in Laos reached 7.9 percent, with GDP per capita rising to more than US$1,000.
Growth in the agriculture sector has increased 3.0 percent and now covers 29 percent of GDP, the industry sector has increased 17.7 percent and accounts for 26 percent of GDP, and service sector growth has risen 6.7 percent, accounting for 39 percent of GDP.
Exports have amounted to US$1,788 million and imports have reached US$1,670 million in value, Ms Khemmani said.
This fiscal year, GDP is expected to increase to 8 percent, the agriculture sector to increase 3.5 percent, industry 17.3 percent and services 6.7 percent. The government's budget will increase 21.29 percent, she added.
Ms Khemmani said previous assistance from the Chinese government has been a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Laos. Since 1990 Chinese assistance, including loans, has amounted to about US$1,200 million.
The Chinese government has accepted Lao government officials for training in China and contributed funds to upgrade science and technology for Lao students.
The total value of trade between Laos and China increased from US$62 million in 2001 to US$1 billion in 2010.
In 2010, the value of trade between Laos and Yunnan province, China, reached US$203 million, accounting for one fifth of total trade between Laos and China.
Xishuangbana province has increased cooperation with many sectors in Laos, especially in trade and investment with the northern provinces.
During a 2009 meeting between the northern committee of Laos and Yunnan province in the Xieng Houng area of Huaphan province, officials from Xishuangbana voiced support for cooperation between the northern provinces of Laos and Yunnan province.
In agriculture, Xishuangbana has supported the planting of commercial crops in Luang Namtha on an area of about 6,700 hectares.
In trade, the two sides have organised trade fairs and cultural performances and held a trade fair for the sale and purchase of goods along the border.
In communications and transport, road links between Laos and China have been developed.
D uring the meeting Ms Khemmani urged the Governor of Xishuangbana province to strengthen overall relations and cooperation between all districts of the province and the northern provinces of Laos.
She also encouraged companies from Yunnan and Xishuangbana provinces to increase their investment in northern Laos.
vientiane times
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