The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has further increased its collaboration with Laos, signing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for 12 projects, covering the trade, investment, finance, education and energy sectors.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who is leading a delegation on a six-day trip to three ASEAN countries, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasithon on Monday morning. They witnessed the signing of 12 MOUs among business and other organizations of the two sides.
Lee said that this was his first visit to Laos as the chief executive of the SAR government, and that the occasion was of historic significance.
Hong Kong can contribute to ASEAN countries in many ways, Lee said, adding that the primary purpose of his visit was to strengthen the connections between the governments of the two places, and to increase exchanges between businesses and the people of Laos and the HKSAR.
Saleumxay said that last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith jointly signed an action plan to strengthen the China-Laos community with a shared future, and that this had laid a solid foundation for bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.
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He also described the Hong Kong delegation’s visit as a good opportunity for the government and business sector to discuss and further expand economic and trade cooperation between Laos and the HKSAR.
Hong Kong organizations involved in the MOUs include the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, InvestHK, CCB International (Holdings) Ltd, CLP SEA Infrastructure Ltd, the Hong Kong Shippers’ Council, the Security Bureau and the Polytechnic University.
These participants signed documents with the Lao Customs Department, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, schools, and enterprise representatives.
Lee also met and had breakfast with members of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday morning. With 4,000 members, the chamber is the most representative business community in Laos.
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Lee also planned to visit local schools, enterprises and railway projects later on Monday to learn more about the development of Laos.
