Lao tourism sector gets boost from tripartite cooperation agreement

A partnership formalised by Laos and China through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 15 is being seen as a significant step towards advancing the country’s tourism industry.

(from right to left) Mr Khamla Yoisaykham, Mr Shicai Zhang and Mrs Shanshan Dong display copies of the agreement signed in Vientiane on January 15.

The agreement brings together the Institute of Media, Culture and Tourism under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, China’s Jiangsu Vocational College of Information Technology, and the Pan-Mekong International Economic Development (Laos) Sole Co.,Ltd.
The agreement was signed by the Director General of the Institute of Media, Culture and Tourism, Mr Khamla Yoisaykham, the General Manager of the Pan-Mekong International Economic Development (Laos) Sole Co., Ltd. Mrs Shanshan Dong and the School Secretary of Jiangsu Vocational College of Information Technology Mr Shicai Zhang.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Vansy Kuamoua, and other officials of the ministry.
This MOU aligns with the broader framework of cultural and tourism cooperation between Laos and China. It aims to enhance the quality of services in Laos’ tourism sector in order to meet the growing demands of Chinese and international visitors.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Khamla highlighted collaboration between Laos and China that is committed to fostering cultural exchanges and economic growth.
The agreement outlines several key areas of focus, including educational and tourism exchanges aimed at promoting academic collaboration between the two countries.
The three parties have agreed to enhance the quality of services through training programmes to improve tourism services across Laos.
They will also develop tourism products by creating high-quality offerings tailored to international markets, particularly Chinese tourists.
In addition, the three parties will share information and best practices by facilitating official visits.
The implementation plan for the agreement prioritises capacity building within Laos’ tourism sector. In this context, the three parties will jointly organise seminars, training sessions and certifications.
Other initiatives include Chinese language training for tour guides, skill enhancement for operators of hotels, guesthouses and restaurants to better serve Chinese tourists, and improving service standards through practical experience and cultural understanding.
This partnership builds on two successful cooperation phases initiated in 2019 and 2023. The third phase, launched in 2024, will continue through 2025, cementing the foundation for long-term development of the tourism industry in Laos.
By leveraging expertise from China’s Jiangsu Vocational College of Information Technology and the Pan-Mekong International Economic Development (Laos) Sole Co Ltd, this collaboration sets a new benchmark for the quality of tourism services in Laos and paves the way for the sustainable growth of a thriving sector.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
 (Latest Update January 17, 2025)