(KPL) Deputy Prime Minister and Standing Member of the Government of the Lao PDR Saleumxay Kommasith led a Lao delegation to the 11th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong on September 9, 2026, where he highlighted Laos’ development priorities and called for stronger cooperation in connectivity, investment and sustainable development.

Held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China under the theme “Advancing High Quality Development • Embarking on a New Journey”, the summit was opened by John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and brought together more than 6,000 government representatives, business leaders and other participants from over 80 countries.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Saleumxay welcomed the continued development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and highlighted Hong Kong’s role in connecting markets, investment and business partnerships.

He also highlighted the Lao-China Railway, which began operations in 2021 and has improved regional connectivity by reducing travel and transport times and lowering logistics costs. The railway has also supported cross-border trade and travel and contributed to Laos’ efforts to develop as a land-linked country.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the summit’s focus on high-quality development was consistent with Laos’ 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030), particularly its priorities of developing Laos into a regional logistics hub, accelerating digital transformation and supporting a smooth and sustainable graduation from Least Developed Country status.

He encouraged BRI partners and international investors to explore opportunities in Laos, particularly in trade and investment, tourism, industrial development, digital connectivity, clean and renewable energy, human resource development and sustainable agriculture.

On the same day, Saleumxay held a bilateral meeting with John Lee to discuss trade and investment cooperation and future areas of collaboration.

He also met Hong Kong business leaders and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Finance of the Lao PDR and China International Capital Corporation (CICC) to conduct a feasibility study on the possible issuance of Lao government Panda bonds in China’s capital market.

The Lao delegation also attended the 2026 Lao-Hong Kong Business Dialogue and other side events aimed at promoting investment, clean energy and financial cooperation between Laos and Hong Kong.

KPL