Events

MINSK, 1 July (BelTA) - Belarus is interested in mutually beneficial cooperation with Laos in various fields, and offers the projects in engineering, science and agribusiness, Belarus’ Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich said as he met with Lao President Choummaly Sayasone, BelTA learned.

The Prime Minister praised Laos’ achievements in economic and social development. This requires certain resources and important international contacts. Belarus stands ready to assist Laos in its development, said Mikhail Myasnikovich. "We are ready for an open discussion on all issues of mutual interest," stressed the Prime Minister.

When speaking about the agreements signed between the countries, Mikhail Myasnikovich said: "This is the framework that will promote economic, trade and investment cooperation in the future." The Premier invited the Lao leader to discuss specific pilot projects that will be developed under the adopted agreements.

For example, discussion has already begun on the projects to extract raw materials and to set up a research center and laboratories. Mikhail Myasnikovich believes this will allow pursuing a smart policy in the development of mineral resources of Laos. "We suggest expanding the project to produce baby food including through the creation of a medical service in Laos. We have succeeded in pediatrics and could assist Laos in this area.”

Mikhail Myasnikovich said that Belarus supports the decision of Laos to upgrade the passenger buses fleet. Today, he believes, the parties could consider setting up joint assembly production of buses in Laos, the issues of truck production. The sides also intend to discuss the issues related to tractor and agricultural machinery. As noted by the Belarusian Prime Minister, this will create jobs in Laos, increase revenue to the budget. "We could work not only in the interests of the domestic market of Laos, but also trade with third countries in the ASEAN region," said Mikhail Myasnikovich.

Among the issues that have been discussed were also the training of civil and military specialists and scientific personnel of higher qualifications.

Lao President Choummaly Sayasone valued highly his first official visit to Belarus. In his words, the visit is a very important historic milestone in the relations between the two countries. "The agreements that we have signed cover politics, economy, trade, investment, science and technology, agriculture and forestry, and education and other fields. They will fill the bilateral cooperation with new content. This is a factor of trust building, firm commitments that would allow promoting cooperation.”

Diplomatic relations between Belarus and Laos were established in 1994. Laos imports industrial products, consumer goods, which create favorable conditions for Belarusian exports, especially agricultural, automotive and mining equipment, diesel generators and pumps, tires, foodstuffs and alcoholic beverages. A series of promising projects in trade, economic, scientific-technical and humanitarian cooperation are in the works.