Laos backs regional cooperation at Boao Forum

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to regional cooperation and connectivity, highlighting the success of the Laos-China Railway, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia 2025 in Hainan, China, on the theme of “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future”, he stressed the importance of multilateralism amid global economic and political challenges.

Dr Sonexay Siphandone.

“The world is facing numerous challenges and threats, particularly political and economic tension and the changing geopolitical landscape that is unpredictable, which has affected not only the countries involved but also a wider international community,” he said.
“Decoupling from multilateralism to protectionism and unilateralism not only contradicts the global trends but also hinders regional and international cooperation, creating obstacles and hindering development opportunities for many countries in the world.
Against this backdrop, the Lao PM said the international community must adopt and be prepared to response as well as to jointly explore ways to further enhance cooperation.
He highlighted Asia’s rapid economic growth, driven by trade, investment, tourism and technological innovation. China has played a key role in promoting cooperation in Asia and beyond.
Noting a key role the BRI plays in driving global growth, the PM said Laos values the global infrastructure project as a multilateral cooperation mechanism that enhances global economic development. He added that the initiative has helped to connect China with Asia, Africa and Europe.
Dr Sonexay stressed that the Laos-China Railway is a model project under the BRI, demonstrating how infrastructure development can drive socio-economic growth.
“This initiative has become a foundation and can be well synergised with regional cooperation mechanisms such as the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, as well as the strategy to transform the Lao PDR from being a landlocked country into a connectivity hub,” he said.
The Laos-China Railway, launched in December 2021, links Laos to regional and global supply chains and markets, facilitating cross-border trade and boosting economic opportunities. It also forms a key section of the Kunming-Singapore Railway network, improving connectivity across Southeast Asia.
From its start in 2021 to early March 2025, the number of daily cross-border freight trains has increased from just two to 18. Additionally, the average load per train has risen from 2,000 tonnes to 2,500 tonnes. To date, the railway has transported a cumulative total of 11.58 million tonnes of cross-border cargo, according to the Global Times.
The China-Laos Railway transported 19.6 million tonnes of goods in 2024, with the daily average hitting 50,000 tonnes. Cross-border freight accounted for 4.78 million tonnes, with imports to China far exceeding exports.
The Prime Minister noted that China’s cooperation with Laos extends beyond infrastructure. The two countries recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting Cooperation under the Global Security Initiative, reflecting their commitment to regional stability and security.
He emphasised that China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative are essential frameworks for addressing global challenges. These initiatives promote sustainable development, enhance economic cooperation, and foster peace and security.
Dr Sonexay reiterated that international collaboration is necessary in an increasingly interconnected world.
He urged all nations to enhance policy coordination, infrastructure development and people-to-people exchanges to build trust and promote mutual understanding.
The Boao Forum for Asia is an annual event bringing together leaders, policymakers and business executives to discuss regional economic and development issues.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 31, 2025)