Laos, Myanmar boost trade alliance
Laos and Myanmar have signed agreements to facilitate trade and boost tourism by granting visa exemptions for citizens holding border passes, as well as an agreement on the avoidance of tax payment duplication.
The agreements were signed during an official visit by a Lao delegation to Myanmar from November 17-20 led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith.
Both sides vowed to facilitate border trade and broaden bilateral cooperation for the benefit of their citizens.
The Lao delegation attended the 9th meeting of the joint commission on Lao-Myanmar Cooperation where both sides agreed to enhance relations and cooperation in many fields, in particular between the nations’ ministries of foreign affairs.
Dr Thongloun led the Lao delegation in talks with his Myanmar counterpart Mr U Nyan Win, according to a press statement from the Lao joint commission on Lao-Myanmar Cooperation.
Both sides agreed to realign the Lao-Myanmar general border committees, elevating them from the district level to provincial and central government ranks.
The move is aimed at maintaining security along the border and creating favourable conditions for tourism and trade along the border areas. The two sides also agreed to organise weekly cross-border trade fairs to promote trade.
The joint commission agreed to cooperate on mobilising financial assistance from other countries to construct a Lao-Myanmar Mekong Friendship Bridge.
The meeting heard that joint development projects being conducted at the agriculture and forestry centre in Tonpheung district, Bokeo province, Laos, are progressing well.
Additionally, the two sides agreed to continue cooperation in the tourism, sport, and cultural sectors, while also developing human resources in several fields.
During the visit to Myanmar, Dr Thongloun also paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Vice Senior General Maung Aye, and Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein.
Dr Thongloun conveyed warm greetings to the Myanmar leaders from their Lao counterparts.
Both sides expressed their pleasure over the deepening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two nations, which have produced tangible benefits for the people of both countries.
It was agreed the 10th meeting of the joint commission on Lao-Myanmar Cooperation would be held in Laos next year.
By Vientiane Times Reporters
November 24, 2009
