Laos, Hong Kong vow to strengthen trade opportunities 

China’s Hong Kong is hoping to enhance its partnership with Laos in various areas and contribute to cooperation between China and Laos under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

HKSAR Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (centre), Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Dr Peter Lam (left), and Deputy Financial Secretary Mr Michael Wong (right) give a media briefing in Laos on July 29.

To this end, a high-profile delegation from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), led by its Chief Executive Mr John Lee, paid a two-day working visit to Laos from July 28-30.
The delegation of officials and business leaders paid a courtesy visit to the leaders of the Lao government, and visited a local school, an enterprise, and the Laos-China railway.
In addition, the delegation attended a business dinner to exchange views with local business leaders and discuss business networking between the two sides.
Speaking at a press briefing on July 29, the Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mr John Lee, said the delegation’s visit was a significant contribution to economic cooperation between China and Laos.
A number of high-profile business leaders from the finance, logistics, hospitality and other sectors were included in the delegation.
“I’m excited to lead the visiting delegation to Laos. Several documents and agreements have been signed as reference to future collaboration in broadening areas on trade and economic cooperation, investment and other essential aspects of cooperation,” he said.
Mr Lee said the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed between the two sides would contribute to the bright future of trade and economic cooperation, with more companies and enterprises from Hong Kong expected to seek trade and investment opportunities in Laos.
He also talked about his visits to the Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone, Vientiane Secondary School, and the Laos-China railway, which was constructed under the BRI framework.
During the delegation’s visit, Mr Lee and Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Saleumxay Kommasith witnessed the signing of 12 MOUs between organisations and enterprises of the two sides in areas including customs collaboration, investment promotion, trade and economic partnership, financial services, and education.
Mr Lee said the MOUs signed between Hong Kong and Laos would foster closer connections in various areas of development.
“Significantly, a number of exchanges of MOUs will allow Hong Kong enterprises to seize opportunities to enter the Lao market, grasping the abundant development potential of Laos, and jointly developing emerging industries,” he added.

ByTimes Reporters
 (Latest Update August 1, 2024)