The convenience brought about by road connection, the new initiative that encourages more participation of private sector in creating fund for investment in goods manufacturing, and export of mining products, has enabled Laos-Thailand trade amount to grow recently. It is expected that the total trade between these two nations will reach over US$ 900 million at the end of 2007-2008 fiscal year.
Although, Laos still experiences trade deficit as a whole, its two provinces, Sayabouly in the Northwest and Savannakhet in the middle of the country, appear to be the areas that gain surplus in trading with Thailand. By encouraging local private companies to contribute more fund for goods production, Sayabouly is able to increase its exports, said Mr. Lien Thikeo, Governor of Sayabouly Province.
In addition, by exporting of gold and copper from mining, Savannakhet has directly gained from Laos-Thailand trade relation, which constitutes the province’s trade surplus as much as US$ 185 million this year.
Listen to Songrit's report for more details in Lao.