(KPL)  Laos and India have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, industry, and investment. The discussion took place over the weekend during a meeting between Mr. Malaythong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Laos, and H.E. Mr. Yogerhwar Sangwan, Ambassador of India to the Lao PDR, along with his delegation.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed progress in economic cooperation and explored opportunities to expand trade and investment ties.

According to 2024 trade statistics, Laos exported goods worth USD 51.1 million to India, while imports from India totaled USD 32 million. Lao exports to India primarily included gold bars and gold alloys, electrical equipment, chemical products, lead and related items, processed wood, footwear, and finished products. Meanwhile, key imports from India comprised pharmaceuticals, land vehicles (excluding tractors and motorcycles), animal feed, raw and tanned leather, clay products, synthetic road materials, and diamonds.

The current trade mechanism between the two countries operates under the ASEAN–India Free Trade Agreement, which facilitates tariff reductions and trade growth.

Looking to the future, both parties proposed several initiatives to deepen economic collaboration:

Regular exchanges of trade information between Lao and Indian business sectors via embassies or bilateral forums to boost investor engagement.

Exploration of joint ventures in sectors such as agricultural processing, industry, and information technology.

Experience-sharing programs to promote knowledge transfer and capacity building.

Support for participation in major trade expos and exhibitions in India, particularly those focused on industrial machinery, agricultural innovation, and product transformation.

Both sides expressed strong interest in further promoting market access and strengthening private sector linkages to ensure mutual economic benefits and sustainable growth.

KPL