(KPL) The meeting was held in Vientiane on October 21, 2026, with the participation of Mrs. Vilayvone Chanthalaty, Vice President of the Vientiane Administrative Committee, and Mrs. Sengdeuane Xayyasone, Standing Vice President and Head of the Office of the Laos-China Cooperation Committee, along with relevant officials from both sides.

Discussions covered Vientiane’s previous development plans and its priorities for 2026–2030, including plans for the Saysettha Comprehensive Development Zone and other industrial and agricultural zones. Participants also examined opportunities to develop clean energy, modern agriculture, business services and cultural tourism.

Presenting a report on Vientiane’s socio-economic performance, Mrs. Vilayvone said the capital’s economy had continued to expand, public order had been largely maintained and people’s living conditions had gradually improved. These developments were supported by efforts to address economic and financial difficulties, alongside growth in business, trade, services and tourism.

During the first nine months of 2026, Vientiane’s economy grew by 6.2%, compared with the annual target of 8%. Gross domestic product reached 94.72 trillion kip, against the full-year target of 100.43 trillion kip, while GDP per capita stood at 78.85 million kip, compared with the annual target of 94.10 million kip. Revenue collection also exceeded the planned target.

By sector, agriculture grew by 4% and accounted for 13.2% of GDP. Industry and commerce expanded by 7%, contributing 48% of GDP, while services grew by 6% and accounted for 38.8%.

China remains a major investment partner in Vientiane. From 2007 to 2025, Chinese investment in the capital totalled US$21.04 billion across 2,580 projects, according to figures presented at the meeting.

Manufacturing, trade and tourism attracted US$10.96 billion across 302 projects, while trade and services accounted for US$8.68 billion across 2,105 projects. Other investment went to crop and livestock production, other services, entertainment, public health and social work, and education.

Cooperation between Laos and China in Vientiane also encompasses infrastructure, transport, tourism, education, culture and public health. The Laos-China Railway has strengthened connectivity between the capital, China and regional markets, while sister-city partnerships have supported cooperation at the local level.

The Saysettha Comprehensive Development Zone remains a key area of bilateral cooperation, with the 2026–2030 framework expected to guide further collaboration in investment and economic development.

KPL