Participants proposed measures to remove the barriers that hinder trade and tourism cooperation.

They agreed that the two countries’ local authorities should establish a network of border markets, build infrastructure, especially roads and upgrade important border gates to make the transport of goods through the border more easier.

They should adopt more preferential taxation policies, boost administrative reform, simplify import-export procedures and minimize fees for trade businesses in the border areas.

Nguyen Van Tuong, Head of the Dien Bien provincial Department of Industry and Trade, said in recent years, trade, tourism and import-export activities through the border gates between Dien Bien and Laos’ northern provinces improved remarkably, actively contributing to enhancing the living standards of local residents and ensuring public security and social order.

During the 2008-2012 period, two-way trade turnover between Dien Bien and its Lao border areas reached nearly US$72 million, including US$44 million in the form of trade exchange.