Mrs Sounthone Xayyachack last week addresses the Belt and Road Forum for Land-Sea Interconnected Development in Chongqing, China. --Photo Lao National Radio

Belt and Road Initiative boosts economic growth in Laos

Belt and Road Initiative has opened up travel opportunities for the people of Laos, spuring economic development and boosting tourism industry in the country, a senior leader has said.
Vice President of the National Assembly, Mrs Sounthone Xayyachack, and other senior officials attended the Belt and Road Forum for Land-Sea Interconnected Development held in Chongqing, China, from May 16-19.
The forum marked the 10th anniversary of the declaration of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by President Xi Jinping.
Speaking at the forum, Mrs Sounthone said the Belt and Road Initiative was of immense importance for Laos, especially in helping the landlocked country to improve regional connectivity in the absence of direct access to the sea.
In particular, China’s transport initiative had provided Laos with the hugely beneficial Laos-China Railway, which had opened up travel opportunities for the people of Laos, spurred economic development, and brought thousands of tourists to Laos.
After attending the forum, Mrs Sounthone took part in a dialogue on international cooperation with regard to land-sea interconnected development to promote trade and international investment in western China.
Mrs Sounthone also met leaders of the Chongqing administration. She praised the preparations made for the forum, the success of the 10th Party Congress of the Chinese Communist Party held last year, and said she hoped the forum would yield positive developments.
Lao and Chinese officials exchanged views on the growing cooperation between the governments of Laos and China as well as between Laos and Chongqing.
In return, Chongqing’s government leaders praised the Lao delegation for participating in the forum, thanked the Lao officials for their comments, and reviewed the city’s recent social and economic developments.
Chongqing is a heavily industrialised city located at the estuary of the Jialing River where it joins the Yangtze River. Chongqing’s port is the biggest inland river port in western China. 
The Chongqing government was in full agreement over the value of the strong cooperation between the parties and governments of Laos and China and expressed the hope for further cooperation in the future. 

By Times​ Reporters​
 (Latest Update May 22, 2023)