Andreichenko: Belarus is ready to respond to the needs of the Lao economy

August 19, MINSK. Belarus is ready to respond to the needs of the Lao economy, Chairman of the House of Representatives Vladimir Andreichenko told journalists with Chairman of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Xaisomphon Phomvihan. The event was held via video-conferencing, BelTA has learned.

“Peace and stability are closely linked with economic development. Therefore, we are certainly interested in deepening the Belarusian-Lao trade and economic cooperation, promoting mutual interests in the markets of the EAEU and ASEAN countries,” Vladimir Andreichenko said. “Unfortunately, due to the pandemic and In the difficult international situation, the Belarusian-Laotian trade turnover has decreased significantly.Although in 2019 it was more than $13 million.I am sure that we can achieve much more.Belarus is ready to respond to the needs of the Laotian technological base Belarus is among the world leaders in the field of agri-food products.In the ranking of the Global Innovation Index of the World Intellectual Property Organization, last year our country took 1st place among 132 economies in the world in terms of such an indicator as the creation of mobile applications.

We are ready to offer our Lao partners our knowledge and experience in the industries that you are striving to develop today,” the speaker noted. “It is not only about expanding the range of exports of Belarusian products to Laos, namely: agricultural and trucks, engines, tires, food, MILK powder, pharmaceutical products. An important form of cooperation should be the creation of joint ventures. Belarus is open to discussing any initiatives of the Lao side in this direction," he stressed. "Belarusian parliamentarians are ready to assist in the prompt consideration of specific proposals from organizations of Laos interested in cooperation in the field of industrial cooperation, energy, chemical and mining industries. In general, I think that there is a need to hold the next meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between the government of the Republic of Belarus and the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The last one took place in 2017. I believe that both sides need to agree on specific dates for its holding, to get more actively involved in the work on filling the agenda."

"One of the serious issues that deserves attention, in our opinion, concerns interbank transactions. Since the beginning of 2022, Lao partners cannot carry out transactions in favor of a number of Belarusian enterprises through Lao banks due to sanctions applied by the EU and the United States . We believe that, taking into account friendly nature of relations between our countries, when discussing this issue during a meeting of the commission with the participation of all interested, it would be possible to find a mutually acceptable solution," Vladimir Andreychenko added.

The training of personnel in civil and military specialties is another important area for cooperation. In 2018, 6 Laotian cadets graduated from the Military Academy of the Republic of Belarus. Unfortunately, today not a single citizen of Laos is studying in higher educational institutions of our country. In this regard, it is necessary to intensify work on the establishment and development of direct contacts between educational institutions and the formation of contractual relations.

The Belarusian parliamentarians are also ready, in contact with the relevant ministries, to expand the legal framework between our countries.

"Taking this opportunity, we ask the Lao side to expedite the consideration of the draft agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the Lao People's Democratic Republic on the mutual protection of classified information. The document has been under consideration by the Lao side since 2018. The conclusion of this agreement is important for the development of cooperation in the military-technical sphere. We we invite interested persons from Laos to actively participate in international exhibitions and business forums held in the Republic of Belarus in order to deepen and expand business and intercultural relations.We will also be glad to welcome you at the HEAD of the parliamentary delegation to the hospitable Belarusian land. ", said the speaker.

“I am sure that further strengthening of friendly ties between Belarus and Laos, based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and support, will meet the interests of our two countries,” Vladimir Andreichenko stated.

Photo by Nikolai Petrov