Thailand, Laos strengthen economic cooperation

BANGKOK, May 25 (TNA) -- Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak led Thai business leaders to Lao PDR, aiming to enhance trade and cooperation between two countries. Mr Somkid Jatusripitak met Laos’ Deputy PM and Finance Minister Mr Somdee Duangdee in Vientiane on Wednesday for a discussion on trade and investment between the two countries. Leading a large delegation of business leaders, Mr Somkid will join the Thailand-Laos Business Forum on to explore investment opportunities in Laos. He is accompanied by Thai Bankers’ Association, The Commerce Chamber of Thailand and the Federation of the Thai Industries in the three-day visit. Bilateral trade between the two neighboring countries was worth Bt206.64 billion in 2016. Thai exports to Laos were worth Bt104.07 billion, while imports were worth Bt66.57 billion. Border trade accounted for over 98 percent of the trade volume. Both countries agree on a plan to jointly develop tourism industry along the Mekong River, including tourist promotion campaigns aiming to boost the number of tourists from both sides. (TNA)