A satellite dish being installed in Laos.

Laos and China recently signed an agreement on science and space technology cooperation, under which China will help Laos develop a satellited-based telecommunication system. The accord, which had been signed by Mr. Sun Laiyan, head of China's National Space Administration, was brought to Vientiane last week to be signed by Dr. Bountiem Phissamay, head of Laos' National Science and Technology Authority.

Under the agreement, China will install satellite dishes and build ground stations for sending and receiving satellite signals, as well as train Lao personnel in the management and operation of the stations. In addition, China will help develop a program to read data from satellite images and will share with Laos information about satellite imaging, which will enable Laos to gather data on earth observation and will assist in its national land surveys.

Laos says satellite signals will help upgrade its telecommunication system as well as the use of IT and modernize its media. 

It is not known when the agreement will begin to take effect, or how long it will take China to develop this satellite-based telecommunication system for Laos.

Listen to Songrit's report for further details in Lao.