Sonowal, Laos Ambassador discuss ties between both countries

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met Laos PDR Ambassador to India Southam Sakonhninhorm in his office today and discussed a gamut of issues on strengthening bilateral ties between India and Laos, more particularly concerning Assam.
Chief Minister Sonowal said Assam was keen to work with Laos in the fields of trade and commerce, cultural exchange, sports and strengthening road connectivity through Myanmar, said a government release here.
Asked about the sectors Laos could tie up with Assam, the Ambassador said Assam could tie up with Laos in the fields of agriculture, irrigation, organic farming and hydro-electricity and there was huge potential for investments in these sectors, the release said.

Terming the 59-years long diplomatic relationship between Laos and India as cordial, Sakonhninhorm said there was enormous potential for investments in various sectors as both countries were ASEAN members.
The Ambassador said Laos was keen to invest in tourism and mining sectors in which Assam has enormous potential and extended invitation to the Chief Minister to visit Laos, the release said.
The Chief Minister pointed out that avenues for trade and commerce and cultural relations vis-a-vis socio-economic development would open up by strengthening connectivity between Assam and Laos.
Underlining the need for establishing ties in the sectors of sports and culture initially and then subsequently expanding it to other fields of cooperation, Sonowal urged the Indian Ambassador to Laos PDR, Ravi Shankar Aisola, who was also present in the meeting, to take the lead.

Asserting that the Centre has accorded top priority towards development of Assam and the North East by formulating the Act East Policy, Sonowal said opening up of the Stilwell Road, for which efforts were on, would act as a catalyst for more growth and development in the region, the release added.