The program, to be implemented through 2028 and beyond, is designed to enhance education cooperation, develop skilled personnel, reduce poverty, and contribute to sustainable socio-economic growth under the shared vision of “building people to build the nation.”

Under the Laos–China “Thousand and Ten Thousand Program,” China also aims to increase the number of Lao students studying in Chinese institutions to 10,000 in the coming years.

According to cooperation documents signed during President Thongloun Sisoulith’s state visit to China from June 2–6, 2026, China will provide training for 3,000 Lao government officials, professionals, and technical personnel while expanding collaboration in higher education, vocational training, language education, digital learning, and artificial intelligence.

The two countries also plan to establish vocational training centers, promote digital literacy among public officials and citizens, and strengthen cooperation in educational technology to help prepare Laos for the digital era.

In addition, China reaffirmed its commitment to offering scholarships for outstanding Lao students and supporting improvements to Laos’ educational infrastructure, teaching equipment, and school curricula.

The initiative comes as China continues to expand its role as a destination for international education. Reports indicate that around 380,000 students from more than 190 countries studied in China in 2025. Chinese universities have also introduced new academic programs in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, energy science, agricultural robotics, bio-manufacturing, digital finance, and digital commerce.

The scholarship program is expected to further strengthen educational ties between Laos and China while helping develop the skilled workforce needed to support Laos’ long-term economic transformation and sustainable development.

KPL