With their bilateral ties elevated, Laos looks to expand cooperation with China in railway infrastructure, agriculture, mining, tourism, and finance, Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune said on Thursday.
The deputy PM made the remarks in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on the sidelines of the 9th China-South Asia Expo, which opened Thursday in Kunming, capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province.
"I highly commend China for the successful hosting of this year's Expo, and I would like to especially acknowledge the Yunnan Provincial Government for its excellent organization. We have also brought a delegation of Laotian entrepreneurs to participate in the event. I believe this Expo serves not only as a platform for trade, but also as a vital opportunity for information exchange, idea-sharing, and investment cooperation. It also provides a valuable chance to promote sustainable development," he said.
Noting the geographical and cultural proximity between China and Laos, the deputy PM said the long-standing friendship has reached a new level.
"That was an excellent question. It touches on the future direction of Laos-China cooperation. Laos and China are friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers. Our people have shared a long history of exchanges, and our cultures and customs are closely aligned. In particular, Yunnan and Laos enjoy a deep-rooted connection. The bilateral relationship has now been elevated to a Laos-China Community with a Shared Future, and we have entered the second phase of cooperation," he said.
"A prime example of this is the Laos-China Railway, our flagship project in efficient cooperation. It stands as a model for railway development globally, and is a showcase of China's most advanced technologies being applied in a developing country. Laos is a landlocked country, but this railway is transforming that status," he said.
The deputy PM also stressed the two economies are complementary, saying both sides should give full play to their respective merits, expressing confidence in future bilateral cooperation in various fields.
"Every country has its own strengths. China brings capital, experience, and technology. Laos, too, has unique resources and great development potential. By leveraging our respective advantages, we can deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, mining, tourism, and finance. I am confident that our partnership will only continue to grow stronger," he said.
As one of the most significant economic and trade platforms between China and South Asian nations in 2025, this year's China-South Asia Expo runs from June 19 to 24 under the theme "Solidarity and Coordination for Common Development".
It has attracted over 1,400 companies from 54 countries and regions.
Laos eyes stronger ties with China: deputy PM
