(KPL) Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh, accompanied by his spouse and a delegation of senior officials, has visited Singapore in response to the invitation of his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong.

Prime Minister’s visit, scheduled for Sep 27-28, aims to enhance the longstanding relations and sound cooperation between Laos and Singapore.

An official welcome ceremony was held on Wednesday’s morning at Presidential Palace (Istana) by Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The bilateral meeting between the two premiers was held after Phankham’s courtesy call to President of Singapore Halimah Yacob.

Expressing thanks to the warm welcome of the Singaporean government leader, Prime Minister Phankham expressed his belief that his visit to Singapore will become a landmark in strengthening the relations and cooperation between the two countries and reaffirm the Lao PDR’s determination to promote the friendship and sound cooperation between Laos and Singapore.

Both sides highly valued the relations and cooperation between their respective countries which have been constantly developed especially on politics, trade and investment, energy, environment, education, culture, tourism, technology, information, and digital technology, among others.

The two leaders also appreciated the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore and the Lao National Chamber of Industry and Commerce for co-hosting a business workshop during the Prime Minister Phankham’s visit to Singapore noting that the event helped disseminate the investment policies and business and investment opportunities of the two countries.

The investment of Singaporean companies in Laos has been estimated at US$362 million in 83 projects making Singapore the tenth largest investor in Laos.  

Laos and Singapore recorded a bilateral trade value of US$115.9 million last year with Laos exports to Singapore valued at US$90.9 million and imports at US$52 million.

KPL