Mr Santiphab Phomvihane addresses the 10th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. --Photo Pathetlao

Laos appeals for broader investment during regional expo

The government used the 10th China-South Asia Expo in China last week to publicise investment opportunities in Laos, strengthen business partnerships, and showcase the country’s growing economic potential.
Speaking to the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on the sidelines of the Expo held in Kunming, Yunnan Province on June 10-12, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mr Santiphab Phomvihane said Laos was presenting a broader picture of its economy beyond traditional agricultural exports.
“This year, our participation goes beyond traditional agricultural and processed products. We are presenting a more comprehensive picture of Laos, including our development potential and industrial strengths,” he was quoted as saying.
Mr Santiphab said Laos’ location at the heart of Southeast Asia and its shared border with China’s Yunnan Province provided strong advantages for expanding trade, investment, and regional connectivity.
He noted that this connectivity provides a solid foundation for expanding cooperation and enhancing regional linkages.
At the same time, Laos is actively promoting development in key sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, and processing industries while continuing to improve the investment climate.
“Through this platform, we aim to showcase these opportunities, facilitate information exchange, and connect potential investors with local partners,” he said.
“To further improve the investment environment, we have upgraded investment policies and streamlined approval procedures, making it easier and more convenient for investors to do business,” he added.
The Deputy Prime Minister attended the 10th China-South Asia Expo and the 30th China (Kunming) Import and Export Fair from June 10-12 under the theme “Solidarity and Coordination for Future Development,”. Laos participated as the special partner country.
In his address at the opening ceremony, Mr Santiphab highlighted the Expo’s role in promoting trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people links between China and countries in South and Southeast Asia, including Laos.
He said the event also provided an important platform for businesses and entrepreneurs to build partnerships and expand cooperation.
As part of Laos’ participation, Mr Santiphab officially opened the Lao National Pavilion together with senior leaders of Yunnan Province and visited exhibition booths displaying Lao products and services.
More than 50 Lao booths featured in the Expo, showcasing products, goods and services in sectors including finance, banking and logistics.
During the interview with CGTN, Mr Santiphab also highlighted the importance of the Laos-China Railway in supporting economic development and attracting investment.
“The Laos-China Railway has brought tangible benefits to both countries, and the Lao government attaches great importance to it,” he said.
The government is improving customs procedures and other facilitation measures to maximise the railway’s benefits while encouraging industrial development along the railway corridor, he added.
According to Mr Santiphab, these efforts have been included in the updated Action Plan on Building a Laos-China Community with a Shared Future.
Laos views the railway as a pathway to greater regional integration, positioning the country as a land-linked hub connecting some of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
According to the People’s Daily, the volume of freight transported by the railway had exceeded 80 million tonnes by the end of March 2026, including more than 18 million tonnes of cross-border cargo.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 16, 2026)