President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has called upon the Indian business community to promote business in an integrated manner with Southeast Asia. Addressing India-Laos Business Forum meeting today in Vientiane in Laos, the President has asked them to explore Lao markets as there is greater scope for private investments Hydropower, mining, construction, infrastructure, Railways, and agriculture. Stating that the present bilateral business between India and Laos is below 7 million dollars she said there was a need to increase the volume of business so that trade reaches its true potential. This could be done by availing mutually advantageous opportunities that both the countries offer, she said. She called upon the delegation to acquaint with Laos economy as Laos has simplified its procedures and regulations including relating to Foreign Direct Investments. Reiterating that India would continue to be Development Partner of Laos in achieving their Development goals, she asked Lao Businessmen to utilise export opportunities the country.Laos Commerce and Industry minister Dr Nam Viyaket also attended the meeting while over 200 businessmen from India, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Laos and representatives from CII, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM attended. India and Laos have also signed an agreement of line of credits to a tune of 72.55Million dollars for different projects in Laos. Laos Minister of Finance Some Dey Douangly and Executive Director of Exim Bank Prabhakar Dalal have signed the agreement in the presence of Presidents of two countries.Later, before leaving for Cambodia on the second leg of her two-nation tour, the President has been accorded a ceremonial farewell at the Presidential palace in Vientiane. AIR Correspondent M.S. Lakshmi reports that the President Pratibha Devisingh Patil’s state visit to Laos has marked the new beginning in the relations between India-Laos. In the past four days, the President has held discussions with Lao leadership on various socio economic issues which will further strengthen the relations between the two countries in long run. Apart from emphasising the need for mutual co-operation for business promotion in the region, she stressed the need enhanced support in different social sectors including health and education during her visit to Laos. Besides visiting the ancient royal capital of Luang Prabang, the President has shown India’s respect towards the cultural relations by following some of the ceremonies that Laotians hold high respect for. Meanwhile, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has arrived in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia today as part of her two-nation visit in Southeast Asia. The President has been accorded warm welcome at the Phnom Penh International Airport in the Cambodian Capital.Dyputy Prime minister of Cambodia Samdech Chaufea Veang Kong Som Ol (Kungsumowl) and Minister Kuy Sophal were present on the occasion. The president will be in Cambodia for next four days.