Thailand and Laos leaders look to uplift trade and cooperation in meetings

Thailand and Laos aim to strengthen economic cooperation and achieve the bilateral trade target of $11 billion (80.4 billion yuan) by 2025, a main achievement during Thai Prime Minister's visit to Laos.

At the invitation of Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin paid an official visit to Laos on Monday.

The visit reflected the special relationship between the two countries as neighbors that enjoy cultural similarities and close bonds at the people-to-people level, according to a statement of Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"It also emphasized the importance of the Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development between the two nations," said the statement.

It noted that the economic goal will be achieved under multiple measures, such as better trade facilitation, expansion of cross-border networks of small and medium-sized enterprises, and promotion of economic activities between border provinces of both countries.

During the visit, Srettha also paid a courtesy call on Thongloun Sisoulith, Lao President and General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and met with Xaysompone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of the Laos.

Both sides agreed to expedite the process to start the construction of a new railway bridge over the Mekong River at Nong Khai – Vientiane border crossing as early as possible (2026) to support the cross-border rail freight growth among Thailand, Laos and China.

The two prime ministers also presided over the opening ceremony of the Vientiane Train Station (Khamsavath), which is a cooperation project between the two governments, through Thailand's Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), to better connect the two countries' rail systems.

The inaugural train service from Nong Khai station to the newly built Vientiane (Khamsavath) Station in inner Vientiane will start in 2024 to promote more cross-border tourism.

The two prime ministers were pleased with the progress of the construction of the 5th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan – Bolikhamxai), which is now almost 90 percent completed. The construction is expected to be completed and the bridge will be opened in the near future.

On transportation and logistics, Thailand and Laos agreed on working together to increase the efficiency of road and rail transshipment to boost bilateral and regional trade.

In terms of promoting tourism, the two countries will conclude a Joint Plan of Action to promote cross-border tourism and make joint activities to attract tourists, in conjunction with the 2024 Visit Laos Year.

Srettha also expressed his confidence and full support for the Lao PDR's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024. He said Thailand and Lao PDR will cooperate closely to strengthen ASEAN unity and cohesiveness, and maintain ASEAN's central role in maintaining regional peace, stability and development amidst international uncertainties.