A high-level delegation from Hong Kong visited Vientiane from July 28-30, signing 12 agreements with Lao trading partners across various sectors. Led by John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the visit aimed to bolster bilateral relations in trade, investment, finance, fintech, transport, logistics, and education. The delegation, including 30 leaders from international, Mainland Chinese, and Hong Kong enterprises, explored key sites like the Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone and Vientiane Railway Station to assess business and investment opportunities.

Significant agreements were signed between entities such as the Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong and the Lao Customs Department, and Invest Hong Kong and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Private sector partnerships included CCB International (Holdings) Limited and Phongsavanh Group Co., Ltd., as well as educational collaborations between the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Vientiane Secondary School. Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, emphasized the mission’s goal of fostering cooperation to help Laos achieve its economic ambitions.

The visit aligned with regional cooperation efforts like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith encouraged Hong Kong investors to explore opportunities in Laos, highlighting potential growth in tourism and investment. The visit concluded with a strong commitment to advancing economic and cultural relations between Laos and Hong Kong.