Laos and Singapore cooperation expanded

(KPL) - President Choummaly Sayasone of the Lao PDR has urged the Singaporean people to visit and invest in Laos, especially in the hydropower and mining projects.
The statement was released during the talks between President Choummaly and his Singaporean counterpart S R Nathan held in Singapore on 9 June.
President Choummaly has led the high - ranking delegation of Laos to make a State Visit to Singapore from 8-11 June 2008 at the invitation of President S R Nathan. The visit is first State Visit to Singapore by a Lao Head of State.
At the cordial talks, President Choummaly also expressed thanks to
President SR Nathan for his warm welcome and informed him some progress on social-economic development activities in Laos. He also informed his guest about the challenges and opportunities for investment in Laos, especially the hydropower and mining sectors. The visit was a milestone to strengthen the friendly relations and cooperation between Laos and Singapore.
On this occasion, President Choummaly also thanked the Singaporean government and people for their kind assistance provided to Laos in the past and present time, particularly in the field of human resources development which is the main contribution for the socio-economic development in Laos.
Lao PDR has about six million of population, and landlocked nati on of approximately 236,800 square kilometers, forest covered about 42 percents, with comprise many rivers that create potential facilities in development hydropower in 50 areas, with volume 3,000 mw.
Laos has a number of popular tourism sites including historical and cultural tourists sites and the World Heritage town LuangPrabang and Wat Phu Champassak which is the main destination to attract the local and foreign tourists. Laos jointed ASEAN in 1997. - KPL