Laos sends out party invitations to majorsTHE AVID attention that has been focused on Vietnam's offshore oil exploration activity might soon shift to neighbouring Laos. The country, once isolated and shrouded in mystery, harbours ambitions of becoming South East Asia's newest medium-size oil producer. Regular contacts between Foreign Minister Somsavat Lengsavat and Iran's Oil Minister Gholamreza Aqazadeh have resulted in the latter agreeing to provide technical assistance to help Laos develop its own industry.