Vientiane, St. Petersburg eye stronger trade and investment ties

The Mayor of Vientiane, Dr Atsaphangthong Siphandone, has proposed expanded cooperation with St. Petersburg in trade, investment and transport following talks with his Russian counterpart Alexander Beglov on March 3.
During the meeting, the two city governors signed a Memorandum of Understanding on future cooperation and Dr Atsaphangthong outlined key proposals to strengthen ties between Laos and Russia.

Dr Atsaphangthong Siphandone. –Photo Vientiane Mai

One major proposal is the construction of a shopping mall in Laos to facilitate trade and financial transactions between the two countries, making it accessible to multiple banks. He also suggested reviving air routes between Laos and Russia, using Laos as a transit hub, according to the Pasaxon newspaper.
Dr Atsaphangthong called for reconsideration of the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s request to exempt certain Lao goods from import and export duties in Russia.
He also sought support for Laos’ membership in the International Railway Transport Organisation, which the country is preparing to join.
To boost investment, he encouraged Russian businesses to invest in hotel construction in Laos and invited financially capable Russian investors to explore opportunities in the country.
On education, he urged the Russian Ministry of Education to increase financial allowances for Lao students studying in Russia and to provide round-trip airfares for scholarship recipients.
Dr Atsaphangthong invited the St. Petersburg delegation to visit Vientiane at a suitable time to explore investment opportunities and view key developments, including the Laos-China high-speed railway and special economic zones.
During his visit to Russia from February 25 to March 6, Dr Atsaphangthong signed an agreement with the Minister of the Moscow City Government, Sergey Cheremin, on strengthening ties between Vientiane and Moscow.
The agreement covers cooperation in cultural heritage, urban planning, environmental protection, tourism, and sports.
The two city governors pledged to work together on industrial development, innovation, trade, and investment, while also organising exhibitions and business meetings.
The agreement aims to foster closer relations in public transport, land transport, and urban environment protection, ensuring legal and effective implementation.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 6, 2025)