(QNO) - A busniness forum to promote investment, trade and tourism among Vietnam - Laos - Thailand was organised in Champasak province (Laos) on April 10. Representatives of 4 provinces of Southern Laos, Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) and 11 Vietnam’s localities including Quang Nam took part in the forum.
Sharing potential and strengths
Speaking at the forum, Consul General of Vietnam in Pakse city (Champasak province) Nguyen Van Trung said, the event aimed to deploy economic diplomacy in 2023 and agreements reached at the 45th meeting of the Vietnam - Laos Inter-governmental Committee, promoting the cooperation and development along the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC).
The forum also promoted investment, trade and tourism among Viet Nam, Laos, Thailand in general and localities of these countries in particular.
According to Mr. Trung, the EWEC, established in October 1998, goes through 13 provinces and cities of Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar.
The EWEC focuses on three main objectives: strengthen economic cooperation and promote trade, investment and development among member countries; reduce transportation costs and promote more efficient transportation of goods and people; and reduce poverty and support the development of rural and border areas.
Trade and tourism connection
At the forum, representatives shared potentials and opportunities for investment cooperation from their localities, called for stronger development in economy, investment, trade, tourism via cultural values, green tourist destinations, vibrant and attractive economic appearance.
Speaking at the forum, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Quang Nam Provincial Party Committee Le Van Dung said the forum was important as it strengthened the connectivity, promoting investment, cooperation in economy, trade and tourism between the provinces of Southern Laos, the region of Northeastern Thailand and the localities of Vietnam, especially the Central Key Economic Region, including Quang Nam.
Mr. Dung stated the forum not only promoted the investment, trade, tourism and services connection between the parties but also made an important contribution to the early formation of the EWEC, connecting Vietnam’s Central Key Economic Region through the Nam Giang International Border Gate (Quang Nam).
The EWEC is also the shortest route connecting Ubon Rathchathani province, region of Northeastern Thailand and provinces of Southern Laos with the East Sea of Vietnam.
Quang Nam has established the twinning ties and comprehensive cooperative relationship with Sekong province (Laos) since 1997, the cooperation on trade, tourism, culture with Champasak (Laos) since 2007, the cooperation on agriculture, trade, investment, tourism, logistics with Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) since 2013.
