Lao president expects more exchanges with Xiamen

Hu Changsheng (left), Party secretary of Xiamen, meets with Laotian President Bounnhang Vorachit, who is also general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee. [Photo/fo.xm.gov.cn]

"Laos welcomes more Xiamen firms and tourists to invest in and visit the country," said Laotian President Bounnhang Vorachit, who is also general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.

Vorachit made the remark at a meeting with Hu Changsheng, Party secretary of Xiamen, during his visit to the city from April 29 to 30.

"China is the largest investor for Laos and this year is also the Laos-China Tourist Year", said Vorachit, noting that more investment and tourists from Xiamen will promote friendly exchanges and economic cooperation between Laos and China.

Vorachit spoke highly of the achievements made by Xiamen in its economy, society and culture.

He said that his trip to Xiamen was mainly to learn from these remarkable achievements and the Chinese city's experience in development as well as to promote his country to more Chinese people.

Hu said that Xiamen's achievements are the epitome of China's 40 years of reform and opening up.

He noted that Xiamen and Laos have always maintained friendly relations and close cooperation.

He promised to further practical cooperation with Laos in economic matters, culture and tourism in a bid to contribute to the China-Laos comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

During his stay in the city, Vorachit admired a puppet show, visited UNESCO world cultural heritage site Gulangyu Island, and the Xiamen International Cruise Center.