The Deputy Minister, Vice Chairman and Standing Member of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee, Mr Bountheung Douangsavanh (second from right), shakes hands with the Director of Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited, Prof Jaspreet Preet Shahid, after finalising the agreement.

Laos moves to expand blue economy through new maritime navigation concession project

Laos is expected to secure new revenue streams, expand employment opportunities and strengthen its global trade connectivity through a major Maritime Navigation Development and Protection Project, for which the Concession Agreement (CA) was signed in Vientiane on Thursday.
The Concession Agreement was signed by the Deputy Minister, Vice Chairman and Standing Member of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee, Mr Bountheung Douangsavanh, who was the representative of the Lao government, the Director of Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited, Prof Jaspreet Preet Shahid, the Executive Director of Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited, Mr Baljinder, the Executive Director of Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited, Mr Shikhar Sharma, and representatives of the KKP International Limited company, Mr Xayaphone Singvongxay and Mr Somphavanh Singvongxay.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Shahid said that although Laos is a landlocked country, the Mekong river remains vital for the nation’s economy, livelihoods and connectivity with its neighbours. She described the river as the “heart of Laos”.
She said it is now time for Laos to enhance its maritime connectivity, noting that the Maritime Navigation Development and Protection Project will enable the country to advance its “blue economy” by fully exercising its maritime rights in international waters.
The project is expected to create direct national revenue, stimulate economic growth, generate jobs and open new business opportunities, including fisheries, global trade and increased investment in tourism.
It will also assist the Lao government in developing port infrastructure, improving navigation systems, facilitating the movement of goods, ensuring safer travel, and strengthening regional cooperation with neighbouring and partner countries.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update November 17, 2025)