Massage from H.E. Mr Ouan Phommachack, Ambassador
on the occasion of the 32nd Anniversary of the Proclamation
of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

( 2 December 1975 – 2 December 2007 )

*************

On 2nd December 2007 , the Lao People’s Democratic Republic celebrates their 32nd National Day with enthusiasm. The Second December 1975 was an important turning point of Lao history because it was the results of struggling by the Lao ethnic group people under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party gaining ever greater victories and led our country from being a colony and protectorate of foreign countries to become an independent State since than. On this auspicious occasion, I whish to convey my warmest greetings to all Lao nationals residing in Thailand .

As the people of Thailand celebrate the 80 th Birthday of His Majesty The King this year, I am honored to extend, on behalf of the Lao Government and people, our warmest greetings and best whishes to Their Majesties The King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, members of the Royal family, the Royal Government and people of the Kingdom of Thailand .

Since 1975, Laos has developed in the context of peace and has undergone major changes in many spheres toward the set directions and objectives. Laos has become a reliable partner in the international community; the Government carried out development programs on potential sectors in order to lay down a foundation for industrialization and gradual modernization. The outstanding performance can be seen in hydro-power development and mining. Small and medium sized industries emerged and expanded. Tourism service was actively promoted in growth areas. This has contributed to the structural change of the national economy.

Continuing with this positive momentum, the year 2007 is also marked with many important achievements in political, economic and social areas as well as international relations. In the first 6 months of FY2007, macroeconomic conditions have remained stable. Real GDP growth is projected to be 7.6% and inflation remained steady at about 4.9% in February 2007. Investments from domestic and foreign investors showed a positive trend. The main factors contributing to this growth were the adoption of the single window process for approving foreign direct investment (FDI), which has facilitated and streamlined FDI. The hydroelectric and mining sectors remained the main attraction for foreign investors and investment in these sectors will continue to be the main driving force of the economy. The Lao Government has continued to focus its efforts on poverty reduction and raising living standards. In addition, the provision of basic social services with better coverage for the poor, particularly in education and public health services, are regarded as the main priorities of the government, as stated in the 6th Five Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (2006-2010).

With the foreign policy of peace, independence, friendship and cooperation, Laos has continued to expand its friendly and cooperative relations with many countries in the world through high-level visits to Viet Nam, China, Japan and ASEAN countries, etc., and actively contribute to many international and regional mechanism such as ASEAN, ASEM, FEALAC, GMS, EWEC, ACMECS, etc., Laos hosted Tenth ASEAN Summit, in Vientiane, in November 2004 and 26 th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization(AIPO) General Assembly, in Vientiane, in September 2005 and the 7 th ASEAN SOM on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) and related meetings in June 2007 and will host the 3 rd GMS Summit in Vientiane in 2008. Laos has political stability and abundant natural resources.

In the relation with Thailand , 2007 is also an important year for bilateral relations between Laos and Thailand as the two countries continue to celebrate the 57 th Anniversary of the establishment of the Diplomatic Relations.

The state visits of H.E. Mr. Kaysone Phomvihan, the late President of the Laos to Thailand in 1992 and by Their Majesties The King Bhumibol Adulyadej and The Queen Sirikit to Laos in 1994 marked the new era and historical record of the relations between the two countries.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has paid official visits to Laos and graciously presided over the Songkan celebration held every year at the Lao Embassy in Bangkok reflecting the warm ties between the two countries.

Following the successful visit of H.E. Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to Laos in October 2006 and that of H.E. Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh to Thailand in December 2006, our bilateral cooperation continues to expand to many areas. In the first half of 2007, the two way trade reached over 28, 250.10 million Bath . In term of investment, from 2001 to March 2007, Thailand ranks the First biggest investor in Laos with 157 projects worth 1,334 million USD. Besides trade and investment, cooperation in other areas also looks promising such as transportation, tourism, education, agriculture, etc; Laos and Thailand also work closely in many regional cooperation frameworks such as ASEAN, ACMECS, GMS, MGC, etc.

The Lao Government and people continue to attach great importance to the strengthening of the bonds of friendship and cooperation with Thailand for the mutual interest of the two countries and peoples and for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and development in this region.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the NAENA/ the Nation….and their readers for their active support and contribution to enhancing further the mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of Laos and Thailand.