Chongqing - On November 23, the Sichuan-Chongqing Region of China and Mekong Countries Sub-National Cooperation Forum 2023 was successfully held in Chongqing.
During this event, key interviews were conducted with Manothong Vongsay, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce of Laos, and Vannasay Sattakoun, Director of Champasak Provincial Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism. The interviews aimed to delve into Laos' development strategies and explore the potential for enhanced cooperation with China, focusing particularly on the Chongqing and Sichuan regions.
Manothong Vongsay: Boosting Bilateral Trade and Strengthening ASEAN Ties
Manothong Vongsay, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce of Laos (Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce of Laos)
Manothong Vongsay conveyed his thanks for the warm invitation extended by the governments of Chongqing and Sichuan, expressing his astonishment at Chongqing's progress. He noted the need for Laos to learn from Chongqing's developmental experiences, particularly highlighting the surge in bilateral trade following the inauguration of the China-Laos Railway. This led to a 31% increase in trade volume between China and Laos from December 2021 to 2022, illustrating the beneficial effects of railway connectivity, enhanced logistics, and cultural exchange.
He also emphasized Chongqing's strategic geographical location as a crucial gateway linking the European Union, Western China, Laos, and ASEAN countries. He believes that enhanced cooperation between Laos and Chongqing will significantly boost trade volumes with ASEAN nations.
Manothong Vongsay highlighted the importance of setting up a New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor Operation Co., Ltd. branch in Laos. This initiative is not just a revenue booster but also a crucial link between rail and sea transport, contributing to road infrastructure development in Laos. He underscored various collaborative projects successfully underway between Sichuan, Chongqing, and Laos, showcasing the growing partnership.
Additionally, he spoke of the cordial relationship between Chongqing and Champasak. He noted that while he did not intend to speak for the Governor of Champasak, he firmly believes the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two sides establishes a strong groundwork for future collaboration. Since 2018, there has been sustained interaction between the two cities. He emphasized that the MoU signing involving Champasak, a city with immense potential in southern Laos, is expected to boost trade and investment while enhancing the city's prominence in the tourism sector.
Vannasay Sattakoun: "Together on A Path to Happiness" Symbolizing Familial Bond between China and Laos
Vannasay Sattakoun, Director of Champasak Provincial Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism (Photo/Yue Xingchen)
Vannasay Sattakoun underscored the significance of the Sichuan-Chongqing Region of China and Mekong Countries Sub-National Cooperation Forum 2023, viewing it as a platform for Mekong countries to gain insights into each other's developmental progress. He particularly highlighted the economic uplift from the China-Laos Railway and the prospects for facilitating smoother transport of Southeast Asian goods to China.
He remarked that China and ASEAN, especially China and Laos, are intertwined in their destinies. With Laos set to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship next year, it will organize numerous related conferences, thereby opening up additional avenues for cooperation with China.
Vannasay Sattakoun emphasized that the forum's theme, "Together on A Path to Happiness, Nourished by The Shared River," signifies the familial bond between China and Laos. He advocated for both nations to explore how their distinct environments and development stages can synergistically contribute to enhancing the living standards of their people. He urged greater focus on mutual support across various stages of development to foster collaborative advancement.
The perspectives of Manothong Vongsay and Vannasay Sattakoun present a strategic plan for Laos's future growth and global partnerships. They are convinced that through enhanced collaboration with China, particularly with Chongqing and Sichuan, Laos is poised for accelerated economic development and elevated living standards, paving the way for a mutually prosperous future.