Vientiane: The commitment was highlighted during the 13th Meeting of the ASEAN-China Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation, co-chaired by Mr. Kingmano Phommahaxay, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports of Laos, and Ms. Lin Xin, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology of China. Representatives from ASEAN member states, China and the ASEAN Secretariat attended the meeting in Vientiane.

According to Lao News Agency, in his opening remarks, Mr. Kingmano said Laos is promoting the theme 'Advancing the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation for a Strong, Sustainable and Competitive ASEAN,' emphasizing the importance of innovation in driving regional growth and competitiveness.

He noted that China has been an important partner of ASEAN in supporting collaborative research, technology transfer and capacity building, and said the meeting provided an opportunity to review progress and identify new areas for cooperation under the 2026-2035 Work Plan.

Following discussions, participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in science, technology and innovation to promote innovation-led growth, strengthen regional resilience and support sustainable development across ASEAN and China.