Asean countries, China mull joint cooperation plans

Laos had benefited from the Belt and Road Initiative, especially through construction of the Laos-China railway and expressway and other economic corridor projects, a senior official said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Saleumxay Kommasith.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the one-day forum this week, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith said projects under the BRI have helped Laos transform from a landlocked country to a regionally connected country.
He expressed the hope that the Belt and Road Initiative and Master Plan on Asean Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 would continue to be implemented effectively and efficiently.
The deputy minister added that over the past 10 years, the BRI has not only promoted regional development in areas such as infrastructure, interconnections, economic development and investment cooperation, but has also facilitated the adoption of advanced science and technology.
The seminar titled “Enhancing Connectivity and Sharing Prosperity: Achievements and Prospects of Aligning BRI with MPAC 2025” aimed to boost cooperation and integration between the BRI and the MPAC 2025, two major frameworks that enhance various aspects of Asean-China relations, including Laos.
Secretary General of the Asean-China Centre, Mr Shi Zhongzhun, said the Asean-China Centre, as a joint institution of Asean and China, has played an active role in promoting cooperation and exchanges between the two sides in trade, investment, education, culture and tourism.
“The Centre will continue to support the implementation of the BRI and the MPAC 2025 and to facilitate people-to-people connectivity and mutual understanding between Asean and China,” he added.
The seminar featured presentations and discussions by experts and scholars from Asean and China on the achievements and challenges of the BRI and the MPAC 2025, as well as the opportunities and prospects for further cooperation and connectivity.
The seminar was part of activities organised by the Asean-China Centre in Laos, which also included a business forum, a cultural exhibition, a tourism promotion event and a media workshop.
The activities of the Asean-China Centre in Laos are in line with the theme of Laos’ Asean Chairmanship in 2024, which is “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”.
In 2022, the value of China-Asean trade exceeded US$970 billion, up 11.2 percent year-on-year. In 2013, the figure was US$443.6 billion. Asean member countries are home to about 6,500 Chinese companies, according to the China Daily.
The Asean-China Centre on Monday hosted a seminar in Vientiane, and the seminar discussed the success and potential of linking the Belt and Road Initiative and the Master Plan on Asean Connectivity (MPAC) 2025.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 29, 2023)