Laos shares spotlight at China-South Asia Expo

Laos shares spotlight at China-South Asia Expo

Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad has led a high level delegation to the 1st China-South Asia Expo and the 21st China Import and Export Fair, which are taking place in Kunming, China, from June 6 to 10.

Mr Somsavat Lengsavad ( third left ) looks at a wooden carving on display at the 1st China-South Asia Expo.

Mr Somsavat and his delegation on June 6 attended the opening ceremony of the expo and fair, at which Chinese delegations, high level delegations, business operators and exhibitors from Southeast Asia, South Asia and Africa were also present.

Mr Somsavat delivered a speech at the ceremony, in which he attributed importance to the two events, saying they were part of the implementation of the reform and open-door policies of the Chinese government. In particular, they made Chinese enterprises better known around the world.

He said the events also supported the building of China's Yunnan province as an important gateway between China and regions to the south-west, and strengthened cooperation with neighbouring countries for their mutual benefit.

Mr Somsavat also conveyed the importance the Lao government attributed to the two events. Lao delegations comprising government officials from the central level and related sectors from the provinces, major towns and the business sector have attended every China Import and Export Fair in Kunming since they were first held.

Lao products on display at the exhibition include agricultural products, handicrafts and jewellery.

Mr Somsavat said he was confident the events would be an important platform for cooperation at the international level, while strongly enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between Laos and China, and strengthening the understanding of South and Southeast Asian nations concerning Laos.

Representing the Lao government and people, Mr Somsavat invited delegations and friends to visit Laos and experience the country first-hand so they could discover the business and investment opportunities here.

The Lao delegation met with the Chinese delegation, which was led by Deputy Prime Minister Ma Kai. The two sides said they highly valued the friendly relations between their two countries, in particular their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Mr Somsavat thanked the Chinese government for their assistance, especially in helping Laos to prepare for the Asia-Europe Meeting Summit last year, which was a great success.

During his stay in Kunming, Mr Somsavat received the Governor of China's Quangxi Autonomous Region, Mr Chen Wu, and his delegation. The two sides said they valued their ongoing cooperation, which has strengthened over time from the first generation of leaders until now, especially through their shared experiences of modern farming methods.

The Quangxi delegation invited the Lao delegation to attend the upcoming China-Asean Expo, which will be held in Nanning later this year on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of China-Asean relations.

Mr Somsavat also received the head of a delegation from Yunnan province, senior provincial advisor Mr Liu Ping.

The two sides discussed the direction of their cooperation in relation to the fact that the Chinese province borders on Laos, which creates opportunities for Laos to export agricultural products to China.

By Times Reporters 

(Latest Update June 10, 2013