On the happy occasion of the 51st Anniversary of Independence of Malaysia, I wish to extend my warmest greetings to all Malaysians residing in this country as well as to the Government and people of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Since its independence in 1957, Malaysia has developed progressively from being an exporter of raw materials into a major producer of manufactured goods. Continuous political stability over the years has made it possible for the country to achieve its economic targets. Further development programmes are being planned and will be carried out to ensure Malaysia remains competitive globally. Focus is now being given on five development regions to spearhead the country’s overall economy, namely (i) Iskandar Malaysia, (ii) East Coast Economic Region (ECER), (iii) Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), (iv) Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) and (v) Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE). This is in line with the aspiration of the country to achieve the status of a developed country by the year 2020.
The year 2008 has witnessed further enhancement in bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Lao PDR. The highlight would most certainly be the historic State Visit of His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia and Her Majesty The Raja Permaisuri Agong to the Lao PDR on 26 - 28 May 2008. This first ever visit by our Head of State to this beautiful country reflects the warm and close bilateral ties between Malaysia and the Lao PDR. Thus I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my heartiest thanks to all the Lao agencies, officials and staff involved who had contributed in preparing and making the State Visit a successful and memorable one.
Additionally, frequent visits by leaders, officials, business people and individuals of both Malaysia and the Lao PDR have also contributed in further strengthening this existing close friendship. This has also promoted bilateral trade and investment; bilateral trade between our two countries, even though small, continues on its encouraging upward trend. At the same time, more Malaysian investors are coming to seek opportunities in the Lao PDR. From the year 2000 to 2008, Malaysia’s total cumulative investment in the Lao PDR is recorded at USD135.3 million in 33 projects, mainly in the sectors of agribusiness, mining, hotels, textile and garment manufacturing, banking, wood industry, services and trading.
It is also very encouraging indeed to note of the continuous increase in the number of tourism arrivals from each country. In the year 2007, a total of 7,937 (6,846 in 2006) Malaysian tourists visited the Lao PDR whilst 11,231 (4,371 in 2006)Lao tourists visited Malaysia correspondingly. With the commencement of AirAsia’s direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane in December 2007, these figures are projected to significantly increase this year.
Malaysia is committed to continuing its technical cooperation programme by offering various training courses in human resource development and capacity building to Lao officials. Since 1991, a total of 802 Lao participants had attended various short and long-term courses in Malaysia in various fields. Through this programme greater people-to-people contact is envisaged, which would contribute in further enhancing the relationship between our two countries.
I look forward to continue working with Lao colleagues in pursuing efforts towards greater friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and the Lao PDR.
ZAINAL ABIDIN AHMAD
Ambassador of Malaysia to the Lao PDR