Vientiane: The Lao-China Cooperation Committee convened on March 14, 2025, to review the progress of bilateral cooperation in 2024 and outline priorities for 2025. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Phet Phomphiphak, Minister of Planning and Investment and Chairman of the Committee, with participation from deputy ministers, senior government officials, and provincial representatives. Local stakeholders joined via video conference.
According to Lao News Agency, Vice Chairman of the Lao-China Cooperation Committee, Mr. Xaisana Sitthiphone, presented a report on the past year's achievements, emphasizing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Laos and China, based on the "Four Goods" principle of good neighbors, good friends, good comrades, and good partners. He highlighted that 2024 marked the first year of the Laos-China Community with a Shared Future Master Plan (2024-2028), which aims to deepen collaboration and enhance development standards.
Several major China-funded projects were successfully completed in 2024, including the Institute of Communication and Information Technology, an E-Commerce Platform for Agricultural Products, and Urgent Material-Equipment Aid for the 5th Population and Housing Census in 2025. Other projects included the Luang Prabang Hospital Improvement Project, Biomedical Laboratory Equipment Aid, and the provision of vehicles and equipment to support Laos' ASEAN chairmanship.
Bilateral trade between Laos and China reached USD 8.23 billion in 2024, marking a 15.91% increase from the previous year. Laos' exports to China amounted to USD 4.56 billion, a 21.4% increase, while imports from China were USD 3.68 billion, a 9.8% increase. Trade has grown significantly over the past decade, with figures from 2022 and 2023 being USD 5.68 billion and USD 7.09 billion, respectively.
China remains Laos' largest investor, with 927 approved projects worth over USD 18 billion since 1989. Investment has been concentrated in sectors like electricity, mining, services, and agriculture. In 2024, 196 training programs were conducted, benefiting 2,068 participants across Laos and China, which have strengthened the skills of Lao professionals in key sectors.
The meeting also reviewed new policy developments, including the Revised Decree on the Lao-China Cooperation Committee, which expands public participation in investment promotion, the Third Draft of the Laos-China Economic-Technical Cooperation Master Plan, and Implementation Guidelines for Chinese Grant Programs.
Additionally, the Committee discussed challenges faced in 2024 and proposed strategies to enhance bilateral cooperation in 2025. The focus will be on aligning cooperation with Laos' economic priorities, improving policy execution, and ensuring the successful implementation of high-level agreements. With these commitments, Laos and China continue to strengthen their long-standing partnership, fostering economic growth and development for both nations.