11-11-06, 9:20 am

(KPL) The Institute of Foreign Affairs held a lecture on current development in Switzerland and its prospect of cooperation and assistance to the Lao PDR.

The lecture held yesterday drew over 80 representatives of relevant departments of ministries.

The Switzerland ambassador Rodolphe S Imhoof presented the participants about the politics, society and governance as well as socio-economic development of Switzerland, and the reasons why Lao government should draw the lessons from Switzerland to develop its country.

The ambassador also informed participants about assistance provided by Switzerland government to Lao PDR, especially in the term of helping Laos access the World Trade Organisation (WTO) through providing technical assistance to build capacities of Lao officials, and the strengthening of diplomatic relationship between two countries.

“Switzerland is one of landlocked country like the Lao PDR, but the country has successfully developed itself as other developed countries. So it is important for Laos to learn what they have done to succeed the development of their country,” said Mr Simangkhala Souvannakhily, Director of Administration and International Cooperation Division of the Institute of Foreign Affairs. “However, we can apply some lessons with the development of the country depending on how suitable the lessons are to the condition of our country.”

From Lao News Agency