H.E. Sonexay SIPHANDONE, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, participated in the 31st Future of Asia (Nikkei Forum) held in Tokyo from 10 to 12 June 2026. The Investment Promotion and Management Committee, in cooperation with Lao and Japanese public- and private-sector stakeholders, organised the Lao-Japan Business Forum at 17:00 on 11 June 2026. The event was attended by senior government officials and business leaders from both countries.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister of the Lao PDR delivered the official opening remarks, emphasising that the event reaffirms the friendly relations and ongoing cooperation between Laos and Japan. In 2026, the two countries will commemorate the 71st anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Ongoing collaboration in economics, trade, and investment, both bilaterally and multilaterally, has established a robust foundation for supporting Lao and Japanese investors. Since the Lao PDR initiated policies to attract foreign investment, Japanese enterprises have invested in 91 projects totalling more than 134 million US dollars, positioning Japan as the 14th-largest foreign investor in the Lao PDR. Japanese investments are widely recognised for their high quality.
H.E. Mme. Phonevanh OUTHAVONG, Deputy Minister, Vice President of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee (IPMC), Standing Member, presented investment opportunities in the Lao PDR to Japanese business representatives. She emphasised current investment prospects and the importance of trade, regional integration, and the Lao-China Railway in facilitating international connectivity.
The Deputy Minister also took the opportunity to inform Japanese investors that, in addition to improving the Law on Investment Promotion and the Decree on Industrial Zones, the Government likewise issued a decree establishing the Central Committee for Investment Promotion and Management in mid-2025. The establishment of this Central Committee for Investment Promotion and Management (IPMC) aims to centralise and highly unify the promotion and management of domestic and foreign private investments. It streamlines and reduces procedural steps, making investment more efficient and effective, modern, transparent, and auditable. This is designed to create favourable conditions for domestic and foreign investment, ensuring efficiency and continuous growth in a green, sustainable direction. The Office of the Committee for Investment Promotion and Management stand ready to facilitate and cooperate with investors from Japan to ensure your investments in the Lao PDR achieve their expected success.
