(VOVworld) – Vietnam will increase its Official Development Assistance to support Laos’ effort to reduce poverty in its disadvantaged provinces and localities an additional 30 percent.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said Friday in Hanoi while receiving officials from the Lao Central Steering Committee on Rural Development and Poverty Reduction. Mr. Phuc said Vietnam will also promote major investment projects in Laos. He said Vietnam’s Party and State have always attached great importance to developing Vietnam-Laos relations. The Deputy Prime Minister added that the two countries should focus more on promoting bilateral cooperation and diplomatic activities to support each other’s development, especially sharing experience in poverty reduction and new rural development.