Australia to expand ties with Laos

VIENTIANE, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Foreign Minister Bob Carr wrapped up meetings with senior Lao ministers in Laos' capital city of Vientiane on Wednesday, agreeing to deeper economic and political ties between the two countries.

During his four-day stay he met with his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisalouth. After their talks, Sisalouth told a press conference that both sides had discussed a broad range of issues and their extended cooperation and good relations were highly valued, according to state-run newspaper Vientiane Times.

The Australian delegation said they were pleased to continue their support of Laos' education, sustainable growth in trade and investment, rural development, clearance of unexploded ordinance ( UXO), and infrastructure development in rural communities. Laos, one of South East Asia's least developed nations, is expected to receive just under 50 million U.S. dollars in aid from Australia over 20122013.

On Wednesday Carr also announced that Australia would provide around 5.5 million U.S. dollars to support UXO clearance efforts, as well as mine risk education, and survivor assistance. This additional aid is expected to help in the clearance of around 2500 hectares of land which could then be used for agriculture and transportation.

Carr also announced a second Trade Development Facility for Laos, which would be designed to streamline trade regulatory frameworks, stimulate investment and create jobs. This would come as part of a wider plan to stimulate further engagement from the Australian business sector in Laos.

After the meetings Bob Carr said, "this new round of Australian funding for the Trade Development Facility (TDF) is expected to halve the time taken to clear exports and imports through customs and halve the number of days taken to get an import licence," according to an AUSAID press release.

Carr and Sisoulith also discussed Australia's priorities as a member of the UN Security Council, Laos' accession to the World Trade Organization, and Australia's aid contributions to Laos.

Carr also announced a second Trade Development Facility for Laos, which would be designed to streamline trade regulatory frameworks, stimulate investment and create jobs.

"This new round of Australian funding for the Trade Development Facility (TDF) is expected to halve the time taken to clear exports and imports through customs and halve the number of days taken to get an import licence," said Carr.

Sisoulith visited Australia in February 2012 for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Laos, Carr's visit came in response to that.