NANNING, Guangxi, China — On the afternoon of September 18, 2026, at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, the Lao–China Investment and Trade Promotion Conference was officially convened. The event was jointly organized by the Investment Promotion and Management Committee of the Lao PDR, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), the Sekong Provincial Investment Promotion and Management Committee Office, and the China–ASEAN Secretariat.
H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Standing Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee, presided over and delivered the opening address. The conference brought together 120 senior dignitaries and business leaders, including: Ms. Lu Xinning, Member of the Standing Committee and Vice Chairperson of the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Ms. Phonvanh Outhavong, Vice Minister and Vice Chairperson of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee and Ms. Sisanga Keodouangdy, Standing Vice Governor of Sekong Province; along with official delegations and distinguished guests from the Lao and Chinese business communities.
The conference was held under the theme: “Leveraging the Lao PDR’s Logistics Potential to Develop Value Chains in Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Industry,” while highlighting the investment potential of Sekong Province. This coincided with key milestones, including the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to promote opportunities under the upgraded ASEAN–China Free Trade Area 3.0 (ACFTA 3.0). It also marked a significant year commemorating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and the PRC, as well as the 2026 Laos–China Year of Friendship.
The Lao–China Investment and Trade Promotion Conference served as a strategic platform to strengthen networks among business communities from the Lao PDR, China, and neighboring Chinese provinces. It aimed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, banking and financial services, clean energy, and other supporting socio-economic sectors. Additionally, it provided an opportunity to disseminate information regarding the Lao PDR’s socio-economic development, investment climate, and promotion policies to raise awareness, attract greater foreign direct investment, and facilitate knowledge exchange in clean-energy development.
During the conference, delegates and business representatives attended presentations on trade and investment promotion policies and engaged in constructive discussions on investment opportunities, economic development, and the resource potential of Sekong Province; regional connectivity; future prospects in clean energy; and strengthening the Laos–China community with a shared future through financial support in the Lao PDR. A dedicated panel discussion was also held on developing the Laos–China Economic Corridor in the new era alongside fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Furthermore, three key commercial agreements were officially signed during the event:
- Agreement on Tailored Financial Solutions for Huabaosheng Group’s Development along the China–Laos Railway Corridor: Signed between ICBC Vientiane Branch, ICBC Guangxi Branch, and Huabaosheng Service Management Group Co., Ltd.
- Lao–China Tourism Industry Cooperation and Development Agreement: Signed between Inthira Group (Lao PDR) and Guangxi Wangui Investment Co., Ltd.
- Agreement on Cooperation in Developing Agricultural Products for Export: Signed between China–Laos Impression Investment Co., Ltd. (Lao PDR) and Nanning Huarui Agricultural Development Co., Ltd.
The signing of these agreements represents a major milestone in elevating business, trade, and investment cooperation between the Lao PDR, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and neighboring Chinese provinces into practical implementation. The 2026 Lao–China Investment and Trade Promotion Conference concluded in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, successfully achieving all its intended objectives.