China ready to push forward economic, trade cooperation with Laos

Posted by DJ Professor John on December 4, 2008 at 7:38pm in News

China is ready to work with Laos to take effective measures to push forward bilateral economic and trade cooperation in the reciprocal and win-win spirit, said China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin here Monday.

Jia, member of the Political Bureau Standing Committee of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks at a meeting with Bouasone Bouphavanh, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Lao prime minister.

Jia said the two sides should map out a plan on bilateral economic cooperation and increase mutual investment. China encourages Chinese investment in Laos and welcomes Lao businesses to China.

The two sides should better implement major projects and further expand economic and trade exchanges between Laos and Chinese provinces and autonomous regions including Yunnan, Guangxiand Sichuan, said Jia, who arrived here earlier Monday on an official goodwill visit as guest of Sisavath Keobounphanh, chairman of the Lao Front for National Reconstruction.

Jia said the two sides should jointly push forward the building process of a free trade area between China and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and China supports Laos' early entry into the World Trade Organization.

He said the CPC and the Chinese government attach importance to bilateral traditional friendship and will continue to enhance bilateral comprehensive cooperation.

Bouasone said Laos will cooperate closely with China in a bid to push forward bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

The Lao side will provide conveniences for Chinese businesses in Laos and it hopes to further cooperation with Chinese localities to achieve reciprocal and win-win results, said Bouasone.

He said Laos will continue to support China's early reunification.