The event was attended by Mr. Phosay Sayasone, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr. Li Xijian, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy to the Lao PDR, Mr. Bounkhong Latsaemphone, Governor of Oudomxay Province; Mrs. Saengdeuane Sayasone of the Lao-China Cooperation Committee, Ministry of Finance; along with representatives from relevant sectors of both countries.

During the event, Mr. Li Xijian, representing the Government of the People’s Republic of China, formally transferred the completed Skills Development Center to the Lao side. The project, funded through Chinese grant assistance, symbolizes the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Laos and China. The new center comprises teaching buildings, offices, a canteen, training facilities, male and female dormitories, teacher housing, a guard post, an auxiliary building for electrical and water systems, as well as basketball and volleyball courts. It will serve as a secondary-level training hub equipped with modern facilities, updated curricula, teacher development programs, and student exchange opportunities in China.

Minister Phosay accepted the project and stressed its importance as a major upgrade to the former center, which was built in 2002 and could only accommodate 200–300 students per year with limited equipment. He explained that, due to increasing demand, the Lao government sought cooperation with China, which selected Oudomxay as one of ten provinces to benefit from the initiative. Following surveys and planning, both sides signed an agreement in 2021, with China committing to construct the new center at a cost of 147.26 million yuan.

The modern facility, built to international standards, can now accommodate up to 1,200 students annually. Minister Phosay emphasized that the center will help develop a new generation of skilled workers with discipline, diligence, and perseverance to support Laos’ socio-economic development. Following the transfer, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare will work with the Oudomxay Provincial Administration to manage and make full use of the center for the benefit of the people.

KPL