LAOS, Sept 30 (KPL) - Lao PDR is a stable politics and peaceful country in the world as a consequence of a peak period for forieng investment and socio-economic development.

The statement was said by Mr Chalaempon Pongchabubnapa, Thai Minister Counellor in Laos last week during a study tour of Lao officials to four provinces of Thailand last week.

The delegation consists of more than 35 Lao officials from line ministies of Industry and Commerce, Planning of Investment, Agriculture and Forestry and Lao media visited four provinces of Thailand namely Khonkaen, Phisanoulok, Phethsaboun and Outthaladid from 22-25 September.

This exchange visit between Lao and Thai Chambers of Commerce was to boost the bilaterial trade and investment and the existing cooperation, which has been operated for years. A four-day study tour, Lao officials showned an interest in agricultural production of Thailand namely cassava cultivation for ethanol producing, rice production for export and rubbish recycling process.

Mr Pongchabubnapa, Thai Minister Counellor in Laos said that all Lao officials should learn good experiences from Thailand so order to bring it to use effectively in development. For instance Thai farmers have relied on the agricultural production for export which is main income of Thailand.

He continued that Laos is one country with poteintial source of large fertile lands and only a population of 6 million. This good potential can convert the country into the agricultural production for export if Laos has good plan, administration and management.

Thai officials said that now Laos’ export to Thailand increased by 53%, meanwhile Thai goods has been imported to Laos surged by 49%. Now Thai goods covered Lao market about 60%, most of them are consumer goods, agricultural tools and household utensil and the rest are Vietnamese and Chinese goods which are being hit Thai goods in Lao market.

Thai officials expected that the trade between Laos and Thailand will surge more than US$1 billion after completing the construction of roads link and Mekong River bridges between two countries.

Presently, the trade volume between Laos and Thailand reached about US$ 1.3 billion thanks to good the bilateral cooperation on trade.

Laos’ goods were exported to Thailand included furniture, agricultural products, garment and semi-copper products which valued at over US$500 million meanwhile Thailand exported the consumer goods, agricultural tools and household utensils.(KPL)