Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to be amongst members of the Indian community today in this beautiful city. I am very happy to begin my visit with an interaction with you and with our Laotian friends. The small yet growing Indian community in Laos is gaining recognition for its accomplishments. Your achievements and attainments are in diverse areas from textiles to mining. I am also happy that several Indians here also work for the United Nations, multinational companies, consultancy organizations and financial institutions. Your growing contribution to Laos in your various vocations has won appreciation and recognition.

Bilateral relations between India and Laos are civilizational, yet also modern and contemporary, covering areas like investment, trade, financial services, among others. At the leadership level we have a consensus that there is immense potential to develop our relations in many fields, and thus take them to greater heights. I am happy that several corporate groups from India have participated in the development of important hydropower, irrigation, agarwood and mining projects in Laos. Your contribution to this country in meeting its developmental goals, is well recognized by both our Governments.

The Indian economy has weathered the impact of the global financial crises with resilience, and is now growing at rates close to those it had achieved prior to the crises. In the last quarter, the economy has posted a remarkable growth, not only in terms of overall growth figures, but more importantly, in terms of certain fundamentals, which justify optimism and confidence in the Indian economy. We believe that this growth will not only qualitatively transform our economy, but will give a boost to economic relations with friendly countries, also offering them many opportunities for trade and investment.

Friends, I have undertaken this journey to Laos to renew our historic contacts and build new bridges. We attach a very high priority to relations to ASEAN countries within the context of our Look East Policy. Laos is a good friend, as also an important partner in the ASEAN. Tomorrow, when I meet the leadership of Laos we will review together the entire gamut of our relations, and seek ways to further develop our partnership. You play a big role in this partnership that we are jointly resolved to build.

Every overseas Indian is a representative of India. I know that, as peaceful and law abiding citizens, you act as ambassadors of India, winning goodwill and respect. As an overseas community you have made a distinctive contribution by virtue of your dedication, hard work and success. It is also a matter of equal gratification to see amongst all of you, the cultural and scholarly effervescence which is characteristic of the Indian community. I again congratulate you on your accomplishments and wish you the very best of luck in your various pursuits.

Jai Hind.