Vietnam, Laos foster scientific, technological cooperation

Vientiane (VNA) - The first session of the Vietnam - Laos Committee for
Scientific and Technological Cooperation convened in Vientiane on December 18.

An agreement on scientific and technological cooperation for the 2009-2011 period
was signed between the Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology, Hoang Van
Phong and the Lao President of the Science, Technology and Environment Agency,
Bountiem Phisamay.

It will supersede a previous agreement signed in 1985 between the two countries.

Under the terms of the agreement, Vietnam will help Laos in training Lao
scientific and technological officials involved in the state management of science
and technology, intellectual property rights, measurement standards and
technological transfers.

The two countries will work together to create a methodology to upgrade Laos '
legal foundation for science and technology and cooperate in the study of
bio-technology and agriculture. Vietnam will also transfer specialised equipment
to Laos ' national measuring centre.

During a reception for the Vietnamese delegation, Lao Prime Minister Bouasone
Bouphavanh hailed the agreement and thanked Vietnam for its support in
training Lao officials in the past.

He expressed his hope that the two countries would cooperate to effectively
implement the newly-signed agreement.-Enditem