Lao-Thai trade fair launches in Vientiane
Lao-Thai trade fair launches in Vientiane
Some 330 booths from Laos and Thailand featuring a wide range of products such as automobile parts, construction materials, tools, electronic appliances and other products have been showcased at the annual Lao-Thai Trade Exhibition in Vientiane.
The five-day Lao-Thai Trade Exhibition, running from July 30 to August 3 at Lao-ITECC, aims to promote bilateral trade relations between the two countries' small and medium enterprises.
The official launch of the exhibition took place yesterday and was attended by the Vice Mayor of Vientiane Mr Somvandy Nathavong, Head of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Office Mr Somvang Ninthavong, Minister Counsellor of the Office of Commercial Affairs of the Royal Thai Embassy to Laos Ms Pimol Pongkongkaew and other senior officials from both sides.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Pimol said this event was co-organised by the Lao Trade and Product Promotion Department under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Thai International Trade Promotion Department.
“This will enable us to enhance bilateral trade relations between the Lao and Thai business sectors and also allow both sides to have a business matching meeting, as well as trade activities,” she said.
She also added that the exhibition would provide an opportunity to increase the value of trade between the two countries, as well as to build up the images and popularity of products from the two nations.
“This event will also help us to cooperate and prepare for the Asean Economic Community integration,” Ms Pimol said.
The event will feature a wide range of goods such as stationary items, educational equipment, clothes, furniture, textiles, handmade goods, food and health products, as well as other industrial items.
The event also offers a chance for a business matching meeting between the Lao and Thai private sectors, technical training, as well as a short vocational training course on the day with other performances at night.
Trade between Laos and Thailand has been established over time and it is continuing to grow in economics and trade cooperation.
The latest plan issued by the two respective ministries, is to set the targeted bilateral trade value at about 46.16 trillion kip (US$5.77 billion) by 2015.
The trade between both countries was up to around 20 trillion kip (US$2.5 billion) in the first six months of this fiscal year (2013-14), according to a draft report on national social and economic development from the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
vientiane times
