An annual meeting of delegations from the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry was held in Vientiane during MARD Minister Cao Duc Phat's visit to Laos from August 21-23.

At the meeting, the two sides assessed the implementation of co-operation programmes during 2006-2007 and worked out orientations for the 2008-2010 period.

Recently, the Dongphosy and Thapha Nongphone irrigation projects that were funded by Vietnamese non-refundable aid were completed, while an irrigation programme is currently under construction in Houaphan province and a safe water supply system in Bolikhamchai province is being upgraded. Both are part of broader Vietnam-Laos co-operation initiative. Vietnam has also sent four delegations to aid Laos in the prevention of bird flu.

The Vietnam-Laos co-operation programme for the 2008-2010 period aims at accelerating technical, training, investment co-operation and trade in the area of agriculture and rural development.

The two sides also agreed to promote investment and production in agriculture and forestry and remove obstacles to help Vietnamese businesses expand their business interests in Laos. (VNA)