President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has assured Laos Leadership of India’s assistance in pursuing a Socio-Economic Development Strategy that seeks to move Laos out of the LDC status by 2020. Speaking at a Banquet given by Laos President Choummaly Xayasone, she said, a number of projects are handled by India in Laos which includes the areas of Hydropower, IT, Human resource development, agriculture and mining.Mrs. Patil said that both the countries have large rural populations and they can share many experiences in the field of agriculture. She stressed the need to encourage investments in Laos to avail of the mutually beneficial economic opportunities in trade and investment. Mrs. Patil said that India is looking forward to Laos to issue the necessary notification to bring the India ASEAN Free Trade Agreement into force.She said, India gives a very high priority to its relationship with ASEAN under its Look East policy and Laos is a crucial partner in it. The President emphasized the meaningful implementation of Mekong – Ganga Cooperation framework. Under it mutual corporation is sought among six south-east countries in the field of Tourism, culture Education transport and communication.Laos’ President Choummaly Xayasone commended the India’s role in different International forum and reaffirmed aspirations of India in promoting cooperation and understanding with the countries of this region.The President has also been called on by Laos Prime minister Bouasone Bouhavanh this evening.Earlier, India has agreed to enhance line of credit to Laos for taking up of its infrastructure development including hydro power, transmission lines and irrigation projects. This has been decided during one on one meeting between President Pratibha Devising Patil and her Laos counterpart Choummaly Sayasone this morning in Vientiane (Venshane). Both the sides have also agreed to strengthen ties in the field of Education, Health and Culture. Beefing media about high level talks between the two sides, Secretary East Mrs. Latha Reddy said India has announced its first tranch of 72.55 Million dollars for two power projects in Laos. She said India is looking forward to step up its trade with Laos as there is greater scope for investments and services sector in the land locked country.She added that India may have mineral imports from Laos in future. She also said it was agreed 100% duty free tariff preference would be given once Laos completes notification of ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.India and Laos have also signed an agreement extending the Cultural Exchange Programme for three more years. Indian Ambassador to Laos Dr. Jitendra Nath Misra and Vice Minister of Information and Culture of Laos Bouangeun Xaphouvong have signed the agreement in the Presence of the presidents of the both sides.Earlier the President has inaugurated a power project of 115KV double line circuit constructed through a loan from India.