On the morning of 20 October 2026, the Investment Promotion and Management Committee Office, in cooperation with the Korea–Laos Industry and Culture Exchange Association (KLICEA), the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), and the Energy Valley Enterprise Development Institute (EVEDI), held the Second Lao–Korea Investment and Business Promotion Forum at the Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane. Approximately 200 representatives from the public and business sectors of both countries attended.
Building on the first forum held in the Republic of Korea last year, the event aimed to strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation. It provided an opportunity for participants to exchange information, explore potential, and identify business partners, particularly in clean energy, modern agriculture, and industry, alongside the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Vanthana Nolintha, Standing Member of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee and Head of its Office, expressed appreciation for the cooperation in organizing the forum. He reaffirmed that the Lao Government continues to improve the investment environment through a centralised, single-window mechanism under the direct guidance of the Prime Minister, while preparing to develop a digital management system. He noted that the Republic of Korea ranks fifth among 53 countries investing in Lao PDR, with cumulative investment of approximately US$1.6 billion in electricity, mining, services, and agriculture. He expressed confidence that the forum would help translate bilateral cooperation into concrete results.
Mr. Choi Seung-jae, Vice Minister of the Republic of Korea, thanked the Lao Government and the relevant organisations for their warm welcome and the opportunity to participate in the forum. He welcomed the opportunity to meet and exchange views with Lao counterparts and expressed hope that both sides would continue to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and SME development for their mutual benefit.
Mr. Thanongsin Kanlaya, Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted three priorities for cooperation: renewable energy development, SME upgrading, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. He encouraged technology transfer, product development, and improvements in quality standards to help Lao products access Korean and international markets. He also reaffirmed LNCCI’s readiness to connect businesses from the two countries.
Mr. Yoon Byung-tae, Mayor of Naju City in the Republic of Korea, praised the quality of Lao workers employed in Korea and thanked the Lao side for the opportunity to explore cooperation opportunities in Lao PDR. He expressed particular interest in the energy sector and hoped that the meeting would lead to concrete cooperation.
Mr. Sam Maeng, President of the Korea–Laos Industry and Culture Exchange Association (KLICEA), reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and further developing this investment forum as an annual event jointly hosted with the Lao Government’s Investment Promotion and Management Committee (IPMC) and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI).
Following the opening ceremony, participants heard a presentation on a microgrid demonstration project suited to local conditions. A representative of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee Office then presented investment promotion policies and opportunities in Lao PDR. This was followed by a presentation on the investment potential and opportunities of Champasak Province, delivered by a provincial representative.
An exchange ceremony was also held for seven memoranda of understanding (MOUs): (1) Hyundai Solar-Tech and Electricité du Laos, on energy efficiency demonstration; (2) Naju City and Savannakhet Province, on energy, industrial zones, and tourism; (3) KLICEA and Champasak Province, on establishing a strategic partnership; (4) KLICEA and LNCCI, on investment and human resource development; (5) KLICEA and Vientiane Industrial Zone Development, on developing a Korean-style industrial estate; (6) AK Power and Graphion Energy Solutions, on energy business cooperation; and (7) Solar Dream and the Vientiane–Nonthong Industrial and Trade Area, on green energy.
The afternoon programme featured company presentations and discussions on clean energy, smart agriculture, industrial zone development, workforce skills, and the use of digital technology. The forum concluded with business-to-government (B2G) consultations to explore opportunities and identify areas for further cooperation.