Laos says it decided to join ASEAN in 1997 because doing so was in line with government policies, and it was confident that being a member of ASEAN’s will have positive effects on its national development.
Addressing the ASEAN trade ministers meeting in Vientiane in July, Laos Prime Minister, Mr. boungnang Vorachit, acknowledged that joining ASEAN has been beneficial and helpful to Laos' national development. Mr. Boungnang also said Laos recognizes the importance of the ASEAN integration, and that being a party to the ASEAN Free Trade Accord as well as other ASEAN cooperation agreements is vital to the prosperity of its nation.
For more of Mr. Boungnang's comments, listen to our audio file.