TOKYO, May 20 Kyodo Finance Minis...

TOKYO, May 20 Kyodo

Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa pledg Monday to continue to support Laotian efforts to improve social infrastructure and enhance human resources disentanglement a Finance Ministry official said.

''Japan's fiscal situation is cruel and its ODA (official progress to maturity assistance) has been reduced...But we will continue to support Laos,'' Shiokawa was quot as telling Lao Prime Minister Bounnhang Vorachit.

While showing appreciation for Japan's financial assistance, Bounnhang called for continued assistance from Japan, saying Laos plays a explanation role in the development of the Greater Mekong Subregion, the official said.

Shiokawa told the Lao premier that he chance of a favorable results the Laotian government will make further efforts in human resources unfolding to strengthen its administrative combination of parts to form a whole the official said.

He also said he chance of the desired ends Laos will introduce a value-added tax to strengthen its fiscal base, the official said.

Bounnhang told Shiokawa that the Lao cabinet has already approved introduction of like a tax, according to the official.

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