PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER 143/ 93
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING, MP
VISIT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF LAOS
I am pleased to announce that the Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic
Republic, His Excellency Mr Khamtay Siphandone, and Mrs Thongvanh Siphandone
will make a State visit to Australia, as guests of the Australian Government, from 14 to
19 December.
Prime Minister Khamtay will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the
Minister of Industry and Handicraft, as well as senior Lao officials. The Prime
Minister will have talks in Canberra before attending a privately organised trade and
investment forum in Sydney entitled ' Indochina and Beyond: A New Regional Focus'.
Australia is developing its links with Laos -and there is good potential for further
expanding commercial ties. Two way trade is increasing and Australian companies are
involved in major infrastructure projects. In 1992 Australian exports to Laos totalled
$ 20.4 million with strong sales of gold, silver and platinum. Transfield recently
concluded a development agreement with the Government of Laos for a hydro-electric
power station at Nam Theun. The billion dollar project is the largest and most
important ever negotiated by the Lao Government. This is a tribute to the
professionalism of Australian business and the experience which Australia can bring to
such substantial infrastructure projects.
Australia is a significant aid donor to Laos, with a program of development
cooperation activities valued at $ 9.5 million in 1993-94. The Mekong friendship
bridge designed, constructed and funded by Australia is a symbol of our
commitment to Laos's development. I look forward to attending the opening of the
bridge in April next year.
Prime Minister Khamntay's visit provides an opportunity to strengthen government-togovernment
links between our two countries and to discuss how we might build on the
solid foundation we have established for economic relations.
CANBERRA DECEMBER 11, 1993