President gives speech on National Day

(KPL) The President Choummaly Sayasone addressed the international diplomatic corps based here to commemorate the 33rd Anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, which falls on 2 December on the occasion of the international New Year 2009.
In his keynote speech, President Choummaly Sayasone highlighted the achievements of the Lao ethnic people in various sectors, giving special emphasis on the sustained economic growth rate has of 8 per cent and the per capita income of 810 US dollars, a lower rate of inflation compared to the previous year, the stability of the kip vis-a-vis other foreign currencies, the rapid expansion in planting industrial crops and commercial trees in the country, increasing employment opportunities and permanent settlement, the steady decline of households poverty, improvement the overall livelihood of the many Lao ethnic peoples, increase in foreign investment, maintenance of social order and national security and strong presence of political stability. In addition, there was an upgrading of education, culture and health in the country. Last but least, he said that the members of the many Lao ethnic groups enjoyed genuine solidarity and harmony and are confident of continued prosperity of the country.
He said that during the last one year, Laos had endured the effects of massive flooding, the worst in 40 years and rivalled by the one in 1966, which was even worse. The current flood has caused tremendous damage to properties and the livelihood of the people had been adversely affected. The flood had affected 40,000 families It destroyed some infrastructures and damaged cultivated fields. A rapid assessment exercise showed that that the damage caused by the flooding is severe. However, under the leadership and guidance of the Party, government and support from friendly countries and international organisations, the Lao people of all social stratas exerted their tireless efforts to prevent what could have been a greater catastrophic natural disaster and they were able to protect Vientiane capital from the worst kind inundation.
Regarding our foreign policy we actively participated and worked closely with the international communities based in Lao, he added.
“In March 29-31 2008, the Lao PDR hosted the third Greater Mekong Sub-region Summit in Vientiane capital. In addition, we have vigorously participated in several summits held within regional and global frameworks. We are currently focusing on the preparation for hosting the 25th SEA Games to be organised at the end of 2009. The aforesaid remarkable events have signified the achievements made in the broadening cooperative relations between the Lao PDR and our friendly countries as well as contributed to the cause for peace, friendship and development cooperation in the region and in the world at large.
On the occasion, the state president also extended his heartfelt gratitude to all the friendly countries and international organisations near and far for their continued support, assistance and cooperation which have been extended to the Lao PDR.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lao PDR to implementing the renovation policy in view of turning the country into a more prosperous nation; pursuing foreign policy of peace, independence, and enhancing friendship with all nations of the world for the cause for peace and sustainable development.
On the occasion, Mr. Nguyen Huy Quang, Dean of Diplomatic Corps in Vientiane, said that diplomats and International Organisations representatives in Laos were very glad to learn that Lao People however have overcome the difficulties and achieved great accomplishments over the last one year.
He recognised that the political situation in Laos was stable, economic growth at high rate, the macro economy stable, low inflation, progressive made in poverty reduction, living condition improved and that Laos is consistently with developing and changing in a positive direction.
Mr. Nguyen said that thanks to the comprehensive Renovation and strengthened integration, regionally and internationally Laos had become one of the countries which scored fastest development in Southeast Asia.
“Laos also plays an active role in various ASEAN activities as well as other regional frameworks such as GMS, ACMECS, EAST-WEST Economic Corridor as a land-linked country in the region,” Mr. Nguyen added.
He also praised Laos for her active cooperation in UN work programmes to combat with global challenges like climate change and food security through various programmes, for instance, natural resource sustainability, forestation, agricultural development for food security.