(KPL) Officials from Vientiane and Shaoyang met on March 30 to expand cooperation on poverty reduction, rural development and technical exchange.

The meeting, held at the Vientiane Administration Office, brought together high-level delegations from the Lao capital and China’s Hunan Province, with both sides emphasizing practical, results-driven collaboration.

The Vientiane delegation was led by Vongxay Phommixay, Head of the External Relations Department, while the Shaoyang delegation was headed by Xiao Yongjun, Standing Member of the Municipal Party Committee and Secretary-General of the Shaoyang Municipal Party Committee.

Officials said the talks focused on turning shared experience into concrete action, particularly in rural poverty alleviation and community development.

The cooperation comes as Laos and China mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and celebrate the “Year of Laos-China Friendship,” with both sides reaffirming their commitment to regular exchanges under their friendship framework.

Several priority projects are expected to move forward in 2026, including agricultural cooperation through a chili cultivation project, the development of “friendship villages” to strengthen grassroots ties, the implementation of the “Project Brightness” eye care program, and training and capacity-building programs for officials in Vientiane.

Vongxay said the proposed initiatives align closely with the development needs of the Lao capital.

In a parallel development, Shaoyang signed a cooperation agreement with Hatsayfong District, focusing on rural development support and the implementation of key projects at the district level.

The agreement includes technical assistance, agricultural development and efforts to strengthen “friendship village” partnerships between local authorities.

“This meeting marks a significant step in deepening cooperation and ensuring continued progress between the two sides,” Vongxay said.

KPL