Vientiane: The 2025 Korea-Laos Net-Zero Partnership Forum was successfully held in Vientiane, with over 100 participants from government ministries, international organizations, and private sector companies from both Korea and Laos. The event was a significant step in promoting bilateral cooperation on green growth, carbon reduction, and sustainable investment, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Laos-Korea relations.
According to Lao News Agency, the forum was jointly organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). It was co-chaired by Koo Bon Kyung, President of Southeast Asia and Oceania at KOTRA, and Phouvong Luangxaysana, Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Lao PDR. Koo Bon Kyung stressed Korea’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and highlighted Laos as a key partner in this endeavor.
Vice Minister Phouvong expressed the Lao government’s dedication to implementing the Decree on Carbon Credits, preparing its third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), and enhancing climate finance strategies with support from partners like Korea. The forum featured presentations from various Lao ministries, focusing on national strategies for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, energy transition, and carbon trading.
Representatives from international organizations such as the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and KOTRA shared insights on technical assistance, green investment frameworks, and Article 6 mechanisms under the Paris Agreement. Korean green energy companies showcased technologies, while two significant Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) were signed for electric bike infrastructure and solar power projects.
A government-to-government session discussed frameworks for achieving 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets. The event concluded with a business matching session, where major Lao companies explored potential partnerships with Korean green technology providers.
In his closing statement, Park Jungwe, Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, emphasized the forum’s role in fostering long-term collaboration. The forum aimed to increase public awareness of Laos’ climate initiatives and attract greater Korean investment in renewable energy, electric mobility, and sustainable infrastructure development.
