Lao-Chinese Business Forum Held in Hangzhou, China.

Hangzhou: The Lao-Chinese Business Forum took place on November 9, 2024, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. The event saw participation from government and business representatives from both Laos and Zhejiang Province, China, with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone delivering the keynote address. This forum was jointly organized by the Lao National Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Zhejiang Provincial Trade Promotion Council, in collaboration with the Lao Ministries of Planning and Investment, Industry and Commerce, and Foreign Affairs. According to Lao News Agency, the forum served as an important platform for enhancing economic and social cooperation between Laos and China, particularly in terms of exchanging information on investment policies, opportunities, infrastructure development, and special economic zones, aimed at promoting trade and investment between the two nations. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the current economic development and investment opportunities, seeking to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors and to raise awareness of investment capabilities across various areas in Laos and China. The forum also provided a venue for presenting business opportunities in Laos, mainly in sectors such as renewable energy, mineral processing, logistics, e-commerce, tourism, environmentally friendly investments, and development within special economic zones. China is the largest trade partner and the biggest foreign investor for the Lao PDR, with Chinese investments exceeding 15 billion USD across more than 900 projects.