Thai, Lao agree on long-term plan for infrastructure development

BANGKOK, May 25 (TNA) – Thailand and Lao People’s Democratic Republic agreed on a five-year strategic master plan for infrastructure development in a bid to boost bilateral trade to 10 billion US dollars. After visiting Myanmar in February, the Thai economic team, led by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, arrived in Laos on Tuesday as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. During the visit scheduled between May 23-25, Mr Somkid together with representatives from both public and private sectors met with Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith to tighten cooperation between the two nations. Mr Somkid said the Lao leader agreed with the proposed plan to enhance cooperation on tourism, logistics, small- and medium-sized enterprise promotion, special economic zones and personnel development. The Thai deputy prime minister hoped that the enhanced cooperation between the two sides will help to improve bilateral trade to 10 billion US dollars from the current value of five billion dollars within five years. After finishing their missions in Laos, the Thai economic team will travel to Cambodia and Vietnam. (TNA)