The heads of diplomatic missions in Laos have expressed confidence that the current National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) will lead to tangible progress in achieving continuous, inclusive and sustainable growth.
This was the main message delivered by foreign diplomats to the country’s leaders, government and citizens during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace on Friday to celebrate Laos’ 41st National Day.
Malaysian Ambassador to Laos Dato’ Than Tai Hing, as Dean of the diplomatic corps, led representatives of diplomatic missions in offering good wishes to President Bounnhang Vorachit, his wife, and the government.
Ambassador Hing congratulated Laos on the successful convening of the General Election of the National Assembly in March, saying it paved the way for the smooth transition of the country’s leadership.
The diplomatic corps noted the continuing political stability in Laos over the past 41 years as one of the country’s most remarkable achievements, which they said had enabled the effective and successful implementation of successive five-year NSEDPs, including the current eighth cycle from 2016 to 2020.
We strongly believe that Laos will achieve its objectives and strategies as the 8th NSEDP will be pursued with great vigour and determination under the guidance of the country’s wise and visionary leadership, said the message read by Ambassador Hing.
We are confident that the direction set by the 8th NSEDP will lead to tangible progress in continuous, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, as well as achieving other planned concrete outcomes as outlined in the overall objectives of the plan, the message added.
This year was noted by foreign diplomats as having been eventful, busy and demanding as Laos assumed the chairmanship of ASEAN, and stood out as a year of diplomatic success for the country.
They noted with admiration that under Laos’ chairmanship, ASEAN had taken significant steps in the first year of the establishment of the ASEAN Community towards the realisation of the ASEAN Vision 2025 under the theme Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEA N Community.
They also mentioned Laos’ strategic location within the region, which they said made it an attractive add on destination for holiday-makers. People were attracted by its rich blend of nature, culture, traditions and rural lifestyle along with drawcard destinations and historical sites that have fascinated tourists from all over the world.
The diplomatic corps also underlined the spirit of leadership, cooperation and solidarity between Laos and its partners, expressing the hope that this be further developed and strengthened in the years to come.
In greeting guests at the ceremony, President Bounnhang highlighted the achievements made over the past year. He noted that the Party and government had led the nation by bringing together all economic sectors to implement the Resolution adopted by the Tenth Party Congress and realise the eighth NSEDP, whose objectives include fulfilling the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: Vientiane Times
