Laos Preparing To Assume ASEAN Chairmanship In 2016

By Azzah Mohamad Som KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- Laos is preparing itself to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2016, Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong said. Vientiane vows to continue ASEAN's mission towards a people-centered region, he said in the speech read by the Laos Minister of Industry and Commerce, Khemmani Pholsena, here Sunday. "Laos values the various initiatives announced by Malaysia, which benefits the ASEAN Community," he said at the 12th ASEAN Leadership Forum. Themed, "Forward ASEAN: One Community, One Vision, One People," the Forum was graced by the Sultan of Perak (Ruler of Perak), Sultan Nazrin Shah. Also present was Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region C.Y Leung and the Philippines Secretary of the Trade and Industry Department Gregory L Domingo. Thammavong said to ensure continued sustainability and fair growth, ASEAN should enhance its cooperation on connectivity through a comprehensive infrastructure development. This would further boost the flow of goods and facilitate people to people relationship, he said. "In this regard, I am of the view that the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will be another important funding source for infrastructure development in ASEAN member states," said Thammavong. He also hoped that ASEAN member countries will give their full support during Laos' chairmanship. Established in 1967, ASEAN comprises 10 countries, namely Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. -- BERNAMA