Sino-Lao Friendly Relations and Cooperation Develop in All-around and Steady Way

At the invitation of Khamtay Siphandone, chairman of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Chinese president Jiang Zemin will pay a state visit to the country between November 11 and 13.

The visit, which is the first-ever call by a Chinese head of state to the country and the most important and historic one by a top Chinese leader to the country at the turn of the century, will further develop the Sino-Lao friendly and good-neighborly relations and cooperation in an all-around and steady way, enhancing the long-term and stable bilateral tie, and mutual trust in the new century.

During recent years, China and Laos, which are closely-linked by common mountains and rivers and have been keeping a profound traditional friendship since the ancient times, have made frequent exchange of visits between high-ranking officials from both sides.

The visits have laid a solid political foundation for further promoting the Sino-Lao friendly relations and cooperation in everyaspects.

Laos has long stuck to the policy of "inheriting and developing an all-around, friendly and cooperative relations between two parties, two countries and two peoples" towards China, meanwhile China has always been taking efforts to enhance the bilateral ties of good neighborliness, friendship and cooperation.

The two countries have gained support, experiences and references from each other during the reform and opening-up process in China and a similar cause in Laos.

With the successful settlement of the border demarcation between the two countries in 1992, the Sino-Lao frontier has seen the increasing exchange of visits between citizens from both countries and become a peaceful and friendly boundary.

In international affairs, the two countries always maintain close coordination and cooperation and take concerted actions. For example, the Laos has been insisting the "One China" policy on the Taiwan issue and actively supporting the reunification course of China.

However, as for economic relations, the bilateral trade which is conducted mostly in border areas, is still lagging behind in volume, and has been affected by the Asian crisis. Under joint efforts, now the bilateral trade has returned to normal level.

In three northern Lao provinces near Chinese border, namely Phongsali, Oudomsay and Luang Namtha, the bilateral trade is active and cross-border visits are frequent, promoting the prosperity and development in the border areas of both countries.

According to figures presented by the Committee for Lao-Chinese Cooperation, from 1989 to September, Chinese firms have invested in 74 Lao projects with a total value of US$ 997 million among which 49 are pure Chinese investments, the rest are joint ventures. Most of the projects now are in good condition.

Meanwhile, during 1992-2000 period, China have offered Laos with considerable amount of non-interest and low-interest loans, and donations.

The Wan Vien Cement Factory, a project constructed wholly under Chinese assistance, can best illustrate the fruits of Sino-Lao friendship and cooperation in economic sectors. After the first phase of the project completed in 1995, for the first time in history, Laos eventually manufactured cement products by itself.

The factory now can produce 80,000 tons of cement annually. Lao cement output is expected to increase to 200,000 tons per annum when the second stage project finished, which will largely relieve the country from being heavily dependent on the imports of cement and other construction materials and help the country to save tens of millions of foreign reserves.

As for cultural exchange, China now provides scholarship for 55 Lao students every year. This year, about 100 Lao high-level officials will receive training in China, which will enhance their working abilities in respective careers.

The Lao National Cultural Palace, a China-assisted cultural project, has been formally transferred to Lao government in March, which will become a vivid milestone for the achievement of Sino-Lao cultural exchange.

A Lao delegation has attended the Expo 99 in the Chinese southwestern city of Kumming and won several rewards, which enhanced bilateral ties on culture and arts. Besides, the art and cultural organizations from both countries are keeping frequent exchange of opinions and visits.

Boualay Phongsa, vice president of the Committee for Lao-Chinese Cooperation, told Xinhua in a recent interview that, no matter in terms of quantities or real economic benefits, the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries still have huge potential.

"We have the all conditions and abilities to further develop the potential, to make greater achievements in the friendly cooperation between two countries," he said.

Jiang's visit, which is to be paid at a time when the ruling Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Lao government and the people are preparing for the opening of the party's 7th general assembly and celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (December 2), will further strengthen the existing close ties between the two countries, he stressed.



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