PM calls for stronger int’l cooperation in response to pandemic

Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh has underscored the importance of international cooperation to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic and expedite global economic recovery and development. 
Speaking at the 2022 Annual Conference of the Boao Forum for Asia via video link on Thursday, Mr Phankham called on all nations to strengthen their cooperation in scientific research, to curb the spread of the virus.
But, he said, health and scientific cooperation must be founded on trust and avoid politicisation of Covid-related issues.
“We must focus on enhancing cooperation to minimise the socio-economic impacts of Covid. It’s essential to boost connectivity, which has been interrupted as a result of the pandemic,” he said.

Mr Phankham also said it was important to ensure a balance between easing Covid travel restrictions to facilitate people-to-people exchanges, and efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.
In addition, Covid prevention measures must be compatible with the normalisation of supply chains, revitalisation of investment, and the development of a digital economy.
The premier said Laos was delighted to actively contribute to the cooperation framework under the Belt and Road Initiative, which enabled the successful opening of the Laos-China Railway in December last year.
“The Laos-China Railway will be a big boost to regional cooperation and its use will help to minimise the impacts of the pandemic in the long run. The railway will help us to fulfil our goal to spur regional connectivity,” he added.
The prime minister also stressed the ways in which Covid had severely impacted the international community and how nations were working together to respond to the pandemic and overcome the health crisis and economic challenges.
Like other countries, Laos has been hit hard by the pandemic, which has caused a sharp drop in foreign visitors and foreign investment.
Mr Phankham thanked the international community, particularly China, for the provision of equipment, vaccines and medical specialists to support  Laos’ battle against the virus.
Taking the theme “The World in Covid-19 & Beyond: Working Together for Global Development and Shared Future”, the Boao Forum for Asia was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, other Asian leaders, and representatives of international organisations.
The Forum, founded in 2001, is a non-governmental and non-profit international organisation committed to promoting economic integration and sustainable development in Asia.
Traditionally, the Boao Forum for Asia has been a forum for policymakers, business leaders and those from think tanks to come together to discuss and make suggestions for better economic cooperation in the region.
Laos attaches great importance to the areas of cooperation discussed at the Forum and has sent high-level delegations to attend the forum through both face-to-face conferences and virtual meetings. 

By Somsack Pongkhao
 (Latest Update April 22, 2022)