Laos, China ink cooperation agreements

China and Laos have signed nine cooperation agreements during an official goodwill visit to China by the President of Laos.

Lao President Choummaly Sayasone (standing, second left) and Chinese President Hu Jintao (third left) witness the signing of cooperation agreements at a ceremony in Beijing, China.

The agreements comprise a cooperation agreement plan between the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the Com munist Party of China for 2011-15; a master economic–technical cooperation plan for 2011-15; a special loan agreement for the Xexalalong irrigation project in Thapangthong district, Savannakhet province; a special loan agreement for improving Wattay International Airport in Vientiane; a memorandum of understanding on financial cooperation for a satellite project; a commercial agreement for the construction of a new international airport in Xeno, Savannakhet province; a commercial agreement on the construction of Road No. 13 South from Thapangthong district in Savannakhet province to Tomlane district in Saravan province; and a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in stock market and forward trading management.

Mr Choummaly, who is also Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, is on an official goodwill visit to China from September 18-21 in response to an invitation from Mr Hu, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China.

According to the Xinhua news agency website, President Hu said at an official meeting on Monday that China will enhance strategic communication, substantial cooperatio n, Party-to-Party exchanges and coordination on international and regional issues with Laos.

China appreciates the Lao government's adherence to the one-China policy and will firmly support Laos as it advances on a road that fits its domestic situation.

Mr Hu also pledged to strengthen cooperation with Laos in the areas of economics, trade, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism and education and promote exchanges between the legislative bodies, political organisations and social management networks of both nations. Mr Hu said China supports Laos in hosting the ninth Asia-Europe Meeting next year and expressed confidence in the country's national development.

President Choummaly visited China in 2009, when the two countries decided to lift their bilateral relations to a cooperative partnership.

Mr Choummaly, his wife and delegation are scheduled to return to Vientiane today.

vientiane times

>   Vientiane province's GDP grows by 9.3% (21/09/2011)

>   Seminar on promoting Japanese investors holds in Savannakhet (21/09/2011)

>   Cambodia eyes Chinese investment to boost economy (21/09/2011)

>   Poipet border officials say crossings increasing (20/09/2011)

>   ADB readies new aid strategy for Laos (16/09/2011)

>   Laos has attractive investment potential: Deputy PM (16/09/2011)

>   Inflation weighs on Kingdom’s rice exports (16/09/2011)

>   ADB sees growth for Kingdom (16/09/2011)

>   Planning and investment officials discuss long-term goals (15/09/2011)

>   ADB raises Lao GDP forecast (16/09/2011)