The ASEAN Investment Forum (AIF) 2024 was held on 7th October 2024 at the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel in Vientiane, Lao PDR, under the theme “Investments for Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.” This premier event, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Lao PDR, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), aims to highlight ASEAN as a key investment destination while focusing on strategic priorities for sustainable and inclusive growth.
With Lao PDR chairing ASEAN in 2024 under the overarching theme of “Investments for Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience” this forum plays a critical role in advancing ASEAN’s economic integration goals. The event will showcase investment opportunities that align with ASEAN’s vision of fostering stronger economic ties, promoting sustainable development, and accelerating digital transformation to ensure a more resilient and connected region.
H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, emphasized ASEAN’s resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges, praising the region for emerging as a global investment destination through its collective vision for sustainable development. He highlighted the ASEAN Regional Investment Action Plan as a milestone initiative aimed at promoting ASEAN as a unified investment destination. And also address the importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) in driving Lao PDR’s national development goals, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation. He underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a favorable investment climate through reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and streamlining business procedures. He noted that Laos has seen substantial foreign investment in hydropower, solar, and wind energy projects, which contribute to the region’s clean energy goals.
One of the highlights of AIF 2024 was launch of the ASEAN Regional Investment Action Plan (2025-2030) which showcased the strategic blueprint will be introduced to guide ASEAN’s efforts in attracting investments, promoting sustainable development, and positioning ASEAN as a single investment destination under the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement and the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025.
In addition, high-Level discussions on the latest investment trends, opportunities, and challenges across ASEAN countries. Topics will include sustainable and responsible investment practices, infrastructure development, digital transformation, green economy investments, and cross-border collaboration.
Along the organizing the AIF above, on October 6, 2024, 80 AIF’s delegations visited 3 Special Economic Zones, namely: ThatLuang Lake Special Economic Zone, Thanaleng Dryport, XaySetha Special Economic Zone, which demonstrate the readiness of infrastructure development to cater the development manufacturing and to strengthen economic links with the region.
