Quang Tri and Savannakhet sign cooperation agreement

As part of the working visit of Quang Tri Province’s leadership in Laos, a high-level dialogue witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between authorities of Quang Tri and Savannakhet provinces on March 20 in KaysonePhomvihane City, Savannakhet Province (Laos).

The leaders of Quang Tri and Savannakhet provinces signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation. Photo: Le Truong

The cooperation agreement encompasses 10 areas, including solutions to facilitate the operation of the Lao Bao - Densavan Joint Cross-Border Economic Trade Zone by 2025.

The Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and the Chairman of Savannakhet province spoke at the dialogue. Photo: Le Truong

The two sides have also agreed to request the attention and investment from both governments to expand and upgrade the road route from Dong Village (Savannakhet Province) to Ta Oi District (SalavanProvince) to boost trade in goods.

The Laos province suggested the Quang Tri side direct relevant agencies to support Savannakhet in poverty reduction for the Laotians in the border area, especially in the Chieng Tup area of Sepon District.

The province also proposed that Vietnam’s central ministries and agencies open a customs clearance route to boost the transportation of goods and equipment for the AMI Savannakhet wind power project.

Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Le Quang Tung, expressed the desire for the two provinces to continue promoting their special friendship and comprehensive cooperation. Photo: Le Truong

On the Quang Tri side, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Le Quang Tung stated that Quang Tri is actively promoting cooperation with Lao border provinces, including Savannakhet Province, to strengthen cooperation, particularly in trade and transportation of mineral products from Laos to Vietnam through Quang Tri.

Therefore, he suggested that Savannakhet Province consider and study the expansion and upgrade of the road route from the Kaleum coal mine (Sekong Province) to Lao Bao Town, Huong Hoa District (Quang Tri Province), for convenient travel and coal transportation.

Furthermore, he expected the province to provide assistance and create favorable conditions to simplify procedures for empty trucks passing through the province when transporting goods to Vietnam.

Tung proposed that Savannakhet Province continue coordinating and completing the documentation and procedures to submit a joint agreement on the Cross-Border Economic Trade Zone.

Quang Tri also suggested that the Lao government implement favorable policies and delegate authorities to issue marriage certificates for Laotian citizens to ensure proper procedures when marrying Vietnamese citizens. This policy aims to prevent undesirable marriages along the border region.

The Quang Tri authorities requested Savannakhet Province to urgently report to the Lao government to have a restoration plan for border marker 585.

Strengthing effective cooperation

During the dialogue, the leaders of the two provinces highly appreciated the cooperative, friendly, supportive, and accompanying relationship between Quang Tri and Savannakhet provinces.

The two sides have recently strengthened their political relations and facilitated exchanges and sharing of experiences among their departments, sectors, and localities. They have also organized annual border work conferences.

An overview of the event. Photo: Le Truong

Savannakhet Province has completed the construction of social welfare projects in Nong and Sepon districts with a support budget of VND6 billion ($242,179) from Quang Tri Province for the 2020-2022 period.

The province has also received 30 scholarships for vocational training in various fields from Quang Tri Province to develop its human resources.

Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Le Quang Tung, presented VND150 million ($6,054) to the government and people of Savannakhet Province. Photo: Le Truong

Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Le Quang Tung expressed his hope that the two provinces will further promote their unique friendship and comprehensive cooperation based on their respective potentials and advantages.

On this occasion, he presented VND150 million ($6,054) to the government and people of ethnic groups in Savannakhet.

Le Truong - Khanh Khanh