China, Laos pledge to further promote cooperation in economy, trade

VIENTIANE - China and Laos on Thursday vowed to promote all-round mutually beneficial cooperation as this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties.

The pledge came as Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith met with visiting Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng here on Thursday.

They spoke highly of the bilateral friendship and cooperation, stressing that they will earnestly implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries.

They said they will make full use of the communication and coordination mechanism on economy and trade between their countries so as to further boost cooperation.

At the meeting, Gao briefed the Lao prime minister on the progress of the implementation of the consensus, and suggested the two countries accelerate the alignment of development strategies, expand cooperation in trade and investment as well as in economy in border areas and the whole region.

Thongloun, for his part, recalled his meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Mongolia last month and sharing his opinions on economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Thongloun said he will direct the work of the Lao-China Joint Cooperation Commission himself so as to lift bilateral economic and trade cooperation to a new high.

The Chinese minister of commerce is here to attend the 48th ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting and related meetings,

Gao also met with Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Khemmany Pholsenaon Thursday. The two sides hailed the progress in bilateral economic and trade cooperation and signed three cooperation documents on economy and technology.

Khemmany expressed gratitude to China for the support and assistance to Laos, saying Laos is willing to continue working closely with China to enhance cooperation.

As the rotating chair of ASEAN this year, Laos will also actively promote trade and economic cooperation between China and ASEAN within regional and sub-regional frameworks, she added.

At a separate meeting, Gao exchanged views with Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Souphanh Keomisay on bilateral economic and technological cooperation and the construction of cross-border economic cooperation zones.