This is the second year that the two PMs have co-chaired the joint committee, demonstrating their determination to effectively implement their cooperation agreements in 2018.
The Lao PM valued the significance of the Inter-Governmental Committee meeting while expressing his belief that the meeting would contribute to promoting the bilateral cooperation and lifting the relationship to a new level.
Meanwhile, PM Phuc affirmed that Vietnam always attaches special importance to its cooperation with Laos and Vietnam will make every effort to consolidate the friendship and relationship with Laos.
Both sides also expressed their delight at the comprehensive cooperation achievements in 2017, particularly the successful organisation of the Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017.
In addition, Vietnamese enterprises have invested in 411 projects in Laos with a total registered capital of US$3.7 billion. Vietnam and Laos also reported a two-way trade revenue of US$935 million in 2017, up nearly 13.6% compared to 2016.
At the meeting, the two PMs witnessed the signing of 12 cooperation documents including an agreement on a cooperation plan between Vietnamese and Laos Governments in 2018, an agreement on investment in Vietnam's Vung Ang seaport, and agreements between ministries, agencies and localities of the two countries, among others.
After the meeting, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his counterpart chaired a joint press conference to announce the results of the 40th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee.
They also attended a ceremony to present certificates of merit from the two governments to individuals and units who performed outstanding achievements in the Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017.
