Investment Promotion and Management Committee Office and the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Vientiane branch representatives shake hands after signing a Memorandum of Understanding at the Laos-Hong Kong Business Forum in Hong Kong on Friday. –Photo Prime Minister’s Office

Laos, Hong Kong deepen finance, battery storage development

Laos and Hong Kong are deepening cooperation in finance and clean energy, with a new feasibility study on battery energy storage among three agreements signed at a business forum held in Hong Kong on Friday.
The Laos-Hong Kong Business Forum 2026 brought together more than 120 business representatives from Hong Kong, neighbouring provinces of China, and Laos.
The forum sought to expand trade, investment, finance and banking services, and clean energy cooperation, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The gathering took the theme “Green Growth: Opportunities for Laos-Hong Kong Strategic Cooperation” as part of Laos’ participation in the 11th Belt and Road Summit.
Standing Deputy Prime Minister Mr Saleumxay Kommasith chaired the opening session of the forum, which was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Consulate-General of Laos in Hong Kong and business communities.
A key outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Finance and China International Capital Corporation, a major Chinese investment banking and financial services company.
Another agreement was signed between the Investment Promotion and Management Committee Office and the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Vientiane branch.
The two agreements are expected to strengthen links between Laos and Hong Kong’s finance sectors and create more opportunities for investment and business cooperation.
Clean energy was another focus of the forum. Électricité du Laos (EDL) and Shenzhen Yichu Smart Energy Group Co., Ltd. exchanged an MoU on a feasibility study for cooperation in the development of a battery energy storage system.
The proposed study is significant as Laos seeks to expand renewable energy while improving the reliability and flexibility of its power system. Battery storage can help store electricity generated from sources such as solar and wind for use when demand is higher or renewable generation falls.
Business leaders also held discussions on the development of Laos’ finance and clean energy sectors, which were identified as important areas for supporting socio-economic development.
The forum enabled Hong Kong businesses to learn more about Laos’ economic situation, trade and investment climate, and policies to promote investment.
Laos is seeking to attract greater trade and investment from Hong Kong and neighbouring parts of China while learning from their experiences in clean energy development.
The forum also aimed to strengthen business networks between the three markets and foster wider cooperation in trade, investment and socio-economic development.
The event was part of Laos’ broader economic diplomacy efforts and took place as the country continues to seek new sources of investment and financial partnership.
The forum builds on growing ties between Laos and Hong Kong. Earlier this year Laos and Hong Kong agreed to work together to modernise Laos’ gold industry and strengthen financial and investment links.
Under the agreement, the two sides will cooperate on gold trading and market development, including physical gold flows, financial market links, international promotion, skills development, financial technology, and regulatory cooperation.
Beyond gold, Laos and Hong Kong are exploring cooperation in financial technology, digital payments and digital trade. Green finance and carbon markets have also been identified as areas with potential for closer cooperation.
Economic ties have gained momentum since Hong Kong Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, made the first official visit to Laos by a Hong Kong leader in July 2024.
During his visit, the two sides signed 12 agreements covering trade, investment, finance, education, transport and customs cooperation, among other fields.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update September 14, 2026)