Kunming: Laos and China have reiterated their strategic partnership as the China-South Asia Expo commenced in Kunming. Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane emphasized the importance of 2026, marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and the Year of Laos-China Friendship. He highlighted the ongoing comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership grounded in the 'Four Goods' spirit of good neighbors, good friends, good comrades, and good partners.

According to Lao News Agency, Mr. Santiphab affirmed Laos' commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative and expressed intentions to further strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as connectivity, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. He underscored the Laos-China Railway as a flagship project that has notably enhanced regional connectivity, boosting trade flows, tourism, and economic development since its inception.

The Deputy Prime Minister extended an invitation to Chinese and international investors to explore opportunities in Laos, with a focus on sectors like agriculture, clean energy, logistics, infrastructure, tourism, and environmentally sustainable industries. He reiterated Laos' dedication to fostering a favorable investment climate and promoting green and sustainable development.

CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee Secretary Wang Ning, speaking at the ceremony, acknowledged that the Laos-China Railway has surpassed expectations, with increasing cross-border freight services and trade volumes. He described the railway as a crucial corridor linking China with Southeast Asia, contributing to regional economic integration.

The expo, themed 'Solidarity and Coordination for Future Development,' has attracted participants from over 80 countries and regions. It serves as a significant platform for advancing trade, investment, technological cooperation, and regional connectivity among China, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

The Lao delegation also encouraged participants to visit the Laos pavilion to discover trade and investment prospects and to experience the country's cultural and developmental potential.