The tour of Champasak was part of the President’s State visit to Laos – the first visit to a foreign country since he took office in April.
At the provincial administration’s headquarters, the leader met with the Secretary of the Party Committee and Governor of Champasak, Bounthong Divixay, who described the visit as an important milestone in the two countries’ long-standing friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive co-operation.
He said Champasak, the southernmost province of Laos with an area of 15,350 sq km, is a rice and fish production hub of the country. It has a population of about 694,000, including more than 3,500 Vietnamese people. It now boasts co-operative relations with 18 Vietnamese localities.
Vietnam has invested US$326 million in 44 projects in Champasak, making up 51% of total foreign investment in the province. In its Vision 2030, the province aims to enhance multifaceted relations with Vietnamese localities and solicit more investment from Vietnamese businesses, the official noted.
President Tran Dai Quang said during his talks and meetings with Lao leaders, both sides praised the sound collaboration between their localities, especially between border provinces. He appreciated the connections between Champasak and Vietnamese localities, particularly in education – training, human resources development, and rice and commercial tree cultivation.
Wishing the province greater successes, he also asked its administration to continue giving favourable conditions to Vietnamese companies and expatriates, while considering support for those whose businesses suffered from the fire at Dao Heuang Market on May 17.
On this occasion, the Vietnamese leader presented Champasak province with 100 computers to serve local educational activities, along with US$10,000 to assist Lao people who sustained damage after the Dao Heuang Market fire. On the evening of June 13, the Champasak Governor hosted a banquet for the Vietnamese President and his entourage.
