Join hands for a better home
From November 6 to 7, the 8th Leaders’ Meeting of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Cooperation took place in Kunming. Under the theme “Focusing on Innovative Development for a Better Home,” the meeting gathered leaders from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and China to discuss future cooperation and outline development plans for economic collaboration within the GMS.
A China-Myanmar friendship street in west Yunnan
The GMS, where communities from six countries depend on the same river and strive for a shared future, stands as one of the most vibrant and promising regions in Asia. It is characterized by diverse climates, geographies, and abundant resources. China enjoys close geographical ties and cultural connections with the five Mekong countries, leveraging advantageous geographic conditions and complementary economic strengths—creating a solid foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation. Since its inception in 1992, GMS economic cooperation has expanded its scope, enhancing trade, improving connectivity, and fostering cultural exchanges. This collaborative effort has provided ongoing momentum for sustainable economic development in the region, delivering tangible benefits to its people.
Through water, bonds are forged and friendships flourish. Yunnan and the five Mekong countries are collaboratively shaping a history of open cooperation. The river of friendship flows endlessly, carrying tales of prosperity, unity, and shared dreams as Yunnan and its partners strive for a brighter future together.
A vision for the future through GMS
As one strolls through the streets of Kunming in Yunnan, the enticing aromas of lemongrass, galangal, and coconut milk from Thai street food stalls mingle with the rich scent of Vietnamese coffee, creating a captivating atmosphere.
Data from two comprehensive lifestyle service platforms in China, Meituan and Dianping, reveal that in the first ten months of this year, over 160 new Southeast Asian culinary establishments have been listed in Kunming, with the majority featuring cuisine from Mekong countries.
Having lived in China for over two decades, Thai national Wu Minqing has observed the emergence of the “Southeast Asian food trend.” Since opening his first restaurant in 2005, Wu has expanded to eight Thai restaurants in Kunming. “We’ve incorporated Yunnan’s matsutake mushrooms into our classic Tom Yum soup, replacing the traditional Thai mushrooms and creating a new flavor,” she said.
This fusion not only earns praise from customers but also symbolizes the strengthening cultural and economic ties between China and the Mekong countries.
Fueled by cooperation mechanisms and frameworks such as the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), collaboration between China and the Mekong countries continues to deepen, resulting in significant achievements. In the first half of 2024, trade between China and the Mekong countries exceeded US$ 200 billion, reflecting a 12% increase compared to the previous year.
Information from the official GMS website indicates that over the past decade, the GMS highway network has expanded by nearly 200,000 kilometers, almost doubling land transport volumes and significantly contributing to regional economic development.
The China-Laos Railway, connecting Vientiane, Laos, to Kunming, China, has transformed Laos from a “landlocked country” to a “land-linked nation,” underscoring its role as a “golden passage.”
Wang Feng, head of Yunnan Chuxiong Wanjin Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., said that the opening of the China-Laos Railway has unlocked new market opportunities for the company. “We used to mainly target the domestic market, but now, thanks to the cold chain logistics offered by the China-Laos Railway, we have exported over 20 types of vegetables to Mekong countries.”
In June of this year, a cross-border transport fleet departed from Kunming and traveled through China, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia over six days, reaching Phnom Penh after covering approximately 2,500 kilometers. This trial run is part of the GMS Cross-Border Transport Agreement (CBTA) and represents the first actual cross-border transport since the “early harvest” arrangement was reinstated under the CBTA. (Note: Vehicles are permitted to use any roads specified in the CBTA protocol and can pass through any designated border crossings. The “early harvest” is based on a memorandum of understanding signed by the six GMS countries prior to July 2017.)
“The CBTA has significantly streamlined our operations. We can conduct cross-border transport within the region without the need to change vehicles or open containers," said Li Sai, manager of the International Multimodal Transport Division at YCIH Logistics Co., Ltd. The fleet was loaded with export products, including vegetables and building materials, and in Cambodia and Thailand, it collected agricultural goods such as fruits and coffee for return to China.
At the 8th Leaders’ Meeting of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Cooperation, participants expressed their commitment to enhancing communication and aligning development strategies among regional countries. They emphasized the importance of maintaining open cooperation, focusing on innovative development, and expanding practical collaboration in various areas, including trade, agriculture, connectivity, the digital economy, green development, healthcare, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Participants affirmed their support for free trade, furthering regional economic integration, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development among GMS countries, ultimately advancing the building of a community with a shared future for the region.
Chinese new energy companies are actively collaborating with enterprises in the Mekong countries to invest in establishing factories in relevant countries, producing innovative products, and contributing to the sub-region’s green transformation. In July of this year, the BYD factory in Thailand was completed, marking the automotive manufacturer’s first establishment in Southeast Asia. Previously, Chinese battery giant CATL had also announced a partnership with Thai companies to set up an electric vehicle battery assembly plant in Thailand.
“China’s technological development in various fields has delivered significant benefits to neighboring countries,” said Sheng Long from Cambodia, who operates a metal processing manufacturing enterprise. “We source our raw materials, equipment, and technology from China, and some of our collaborations have been ongoing for ten years.”
“We look forward to further deepening our cooperation with the Lancang-Mekong countries, especially China, to continuously enhance the market competitiveness of our products,” said Sheng Long.
Together for a shared dream
“Paukphaw Street” in Ruili City, located on the China-Myanmar border, has become a hub for Myanmar youth to work diligently and pursue their dreams. The Electricite du Laos Transmission Company Limited (EDL-T) has been established to foster sustainable development in Laos’ electricity sector. Yunnan flowers are now flourishing in Thailand, creating a beautiful exchange, while Vietnamese durians are being exported to China, boosting the income of Vietnamese farmers, drivers, and others involved. Siem Reap Angkor International Airport has opened its doors, welcoming more international travelers with incoming and outgoing flights. These vibrant stories not only showcase the dynamic energy and immense potential of regional cooperation but also contribute fresh momentum to the economic development of the participating countries.
China: “Paukphaw Street” brimming with joy
In November, the nights in Ruili are still pleasantly warm. Along “Paukphaw Street” in the border industrial park, the lights from various shops cast an inviting glow. The vibrant atmosphere here is allowing an increasing number of young people from Myanmar working in the park to experience the beauty of life.
Dihatusan (transliteration), hailing from a county in Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Province, is one of them. “Ruili is an open and inclusive city, making it an ideal place for young people to pursue their dreams,” Dihatusan commented. In recent years, the number of Myanmar youths working in the industrial park has been on the rise, with everyone earning good salaries and enjoying an enriched leisure life.
Now, Dihatusan eagerly anticipates the moments after work when he can stroll along “Paukphaw Street.” “I love savoring the familiar delicacies from my hometown with my fellow countrymen. Even though I am in a foreign land, I still feel the warmth of home.”
On “Paukphaw Street,” there’s a snack stall called “Xiao Shang Fried Skewers” that draws many Myanmar workers with its distinct flavors and convenient location.
“Our village is nearby, just a few minutes from ‘Paukphaw Street,’” said stall owner Shang Chaoyong. The launch of “Paukphaw Street” has ensured a steady stream of customers at his snack stall. Now, his stall serves not only delicious food but also as a space for communication. Here, local residents and Myanmar workers gather to enjoy meals together, share their stories, and foster mutual understanding and friendship.
“You can see many merchants from both China and Myanmar selling goods on this street, collaborating harmoniously and contributing to the prosperity of ‘Paukphaw Street,’” Shang remarked. He hopes that this street will continue to develop, attracting more vendors and customers and creating even more opportunities.
Laos: Power cooperation energizes the future
In 2024, to advance the sustainable development of electricity in Laos, the Electricite du Laos Transmission Company Limited (EDL-T) was established with joint funding from China Southern Power Grid Company Limited and the Laos state-run Electricite du Laos (EDL).
“As a key cooperation project in the electrical sector between Laos and China, the EDL-T works alongside the EDL to ensure the inspection and maintenance of transmission and transformation equipment, as well as power outage repairs. Both parties collaborate on hazard investigations, eliminating numerous defects and risks. Special management measures have also been formulated to address situations like transmission line tripping during the local rainy season and wildfires. The company has held seven public welfare activities in local primary schools and educational institutions for hearing-impaired children. We have also implemented a borderless talent exchange mechanism, consistently enhancing the training of Lao students studying in China,” said Lin Rui, chairman of EDL-T, as he outlined the company’s operational situation.
Currently, EDL-T is boosting its power delivery capacity to enable cross-regional power allocation and address new electricity load demands. The company is also continuously optimizing the structure of Laotian power grid to enhance supply reliability across the network, thereby supporting the country’s economic and social development. Additionally, EDL-T is actively engaging with various power supply enterprises to establish communication channels among all stakeholders, promoting the orderly advancement of the electricity sector in Laos.
As economic cooperation in the Greater Mekong Subregion deepens, significant progress has been made in energy collaboration and power infrastructure development between Yunnan and the Mekong countries. “We have also jointly initiated the formation of the Lancang-Mekong Electric Standardization Council in partnership with power enterprises from the five Mekong countries to promote standardized development in the Greater Mekong Subregion,” Lin Rui stated.
Thailand: Yunnan flowers flying off the shelves
“Roses, carnations, lilies, forget-me-nots... We sell dozens of flower varieties in our shop, and all of them are sourced from Yunnan,” said Zhang Yangyang, manager of Pink Flower House in Thailand, as she prepared bouquets for her customers.
Zhang began her flower trade career many years ago by air-freighting Thai orchids to Hong Kong, where she then distributed them to various locations through Shenzhen and Guangzhou. In 2008, she started preparations to sell flowers from Yunnan to Thailand, opening multiple shops in Bangkok’s major flower markets and in provinces like Nakhon Ratchasima, Hat Yai, and Udonthani. “In the 16 years I’ve been in the flower trade in Thailand, we’ve grown from one store to 13, with daily sales surpassing one million baht,” Zhang said. Today, Pink Flower House’s operations in Thailand encompass both wholesale and retail, along with event setup services and flower arranging training classes. Pink Flower House’s flowers have become quite popular among Thai customers.
“Our store is doing really well profit-wise at the moment. We send flowers from Kunming to Thailand three times a week using refrigerated trucks,” Zhang explained. Thanks to advanced transportation tools and an efficient logistics network, flowers from Kunming can reach Bangkok in just 3 to 4 days. In addition to being distributed throughout Thailand, these flowers are also exported to countries and regions such as Cambodia. Currently, Zhang is actively expanding the market by preparing to sell products on the TikTok platform and is diligently working to open more stores and diversify the business in Thailand. She is also looking to grow operations in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia. The goal is to create a seamless delivery process that takes Yunnan flowers from the fields to the flower shops and ultimately into the hands of consumers.
Vietnam: The cross-border journey of durian
In Tien Giang province, Vietnam, fields are currently bustling with the harvest of off-season durians, many of which are destined for export to China.
Nguyen Junmeng is an exporter engaged in the durian trade, traveling across various provinces in southern and northern Vietnam. In 2018, he established TA Import and Export Trading Company Limited in Vietnam. In 2021, fresh durians from Vietnam were officially allowed to be exported to China, prompting Nguyen to shift from domestic trade to the international market. He set up a warehouse in Lang Son province, from where trucks transport products to the Chinese market via the Vietnam-China Friendship Pass, reaching cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
Nguyen noted that of the over 100 durian varieties grown in Vietnam, the most famous is the Vietnamese Kan Yao durian. China serves as the largest market for Vietnamese durians. In the past three years, the company’s revenue has grown significantly due to exports to China, offering farmers and drivers new opportunities to boost their income.
The company’s executive manager, Leung Chunrong, explained that it takes truck drivers 36 hours to travel from the durian-producing province of Tien Giang to the China-Vietnam border province of Lang Son, with each rental costing 60 million Vietnamese dong. Over the past two years, the frequency of transport in and out of the base has surged. With improved shipping rates, drivers are feeling increasingly motivated.
Cooperative mechanisms like LMC continually inject energy into regional collaboration. In August of this year, China and Vietnam officially signed an agreement for exporting frozen durians to China, which gives Nguyen even more confidence in the market. “The advantages of Vietnamese durians lie in the short land transportation distance to China, an abundant labor supply, and clear price advantages. Now, with the approval for frozen durian exports, the supply time is more flexible, and costs have further decreased.”
Cambodia: Promise of growth in the skies
Since resuming flights in October of last year, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in Cambodia has established routes to 15 cities across 8 countries, enabling a total of 14,700 flights and serving 1.32 million passengers. Reflecting on the accomplishments of the past year, Yang Chenglong, manager of the Comprehensive Management Department of Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., expressed his pride.
“The construction process was filled with twists and challenges,” Yang said, recalling the most memorable moment. “On the morning of October 16 last year, when the first commercial flight landed smoothly at the new airport, many colleagues were moved to tears as the plane passed through the water gate. At that moment, all the efforts and perseverance were rewarded; it was a moment of glory for every builder.”
The operation of the airport has significantly improved local transportation conditions and spurred economic development in the surrounding areas. Lin Longgui, deputy general manager of the investment company, noted that the airport’s construction has directly created approximately 1,000 local jobs and fostered the growth of related industries such as tourism, hospitality, and logistics, thereby providing more employment opportunities and business prospects for local residents. Furthermore, as a landmark project of the collaborative efforts on the Belt and Road initiative between China and Cambodia, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is gradually emerging as a vital hub for economic and cultural exchanges with countries in South and Southeast Asia. Additionally, the development of infrastructure around the airport, including dedicated highways, has improved the travel experience for tourists, further enhancing Siem Reap’s appeal as an international tourist destination.
Tang Gang, also deputy general manager of the investment company, shared insights on the airport's future development plans: “As the GMS economic cooperation continues to deepen, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport will increasingly contribute to enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating economic and cultural exchanges, positioning itself as an essential ‘air hub’ for South Asia and Southeast Asia.”
Yunnan flowers gain popularity in Thailand.
Lancang-Mekong outlook:
Harnessing regional innovation and development potential
During the 8th Leaders’ Meeting of the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation, we invited business representatives and think tank experts from Lancang-Mekong countries. They unanimously agreed that solidarity and cooperation among nations will foster shared prosperity and development
Zhang Lei: Active participation and structural enhancement
“Yunnan is one of the first provinces in China to engage in the GMS economic cooperation, playing a significant role in regional collaboration,” stated Zhang Lei, emphasizing Yunnan’s role a vital hub and frontline gateway for cooperation and exchange between China and the Mekong countries.
Zhang pointed out that Yunnan has been actively engaged in all levels of GMS cooperation meetings and is promoting the development of the GMS economic corridor. “Yunnan is also a key participant in the GMS cooperation mechanism,” he remarked. For instance, a multi-modal transportation network comprising roads, railways, airways, and waterways linking the five Mekong countries is rapidly taking shape. The China-Laos Railway has become a crucial corridor for both passengers and goods. With the launch of international freight trains such as the Lancang-Mekong-Chengdu-Europe Express and the Shanghai-Kunming Lancang-Mekong Express, a new development model is emerging—where major corridors enhance integrated logistics, integrated logistics foster extensive trade, and extensive trade assemble significant industries.
Gao Lisha, an associate researcher at the Institute of Belt and Road Studies and the Institute of International Relations at Yunnan University, stated that over the past 30 years since the launch of GMS cooperation, significant achievements have been made in supporting infrastructure development, promoting socioeconomic progress in the region, enhancing people’s well-being, and fostering dialogue and communication. The results of infrastructure connectivity between Yunnan and the Mekong countries are particularly noteworthy. Iconic projects such as the China-Laos Railway and the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in Cambodia not only symbolize “hard connectivity” in terms of infrastructure but also promote “soft connectivity” related to rules and standards, as well as “heart connectivity” through cultural exchanges. In recent years, trade volume between Yunnan and the Mekong countries has been consistently rising, accompanied by an optimized trade structure that injects new momentum into regional economic growth. Additionally, Yunnan has made substantial efforts to promote cultural exchange and academic cooperation, facilitating deeper mutual understanding and friendships among nations. (Zhang Lei is an associate Professor at the Institute of International Relations & Regional and Country Studies, Yunnan University.)
AN Kuntheara: Improving mechanisms to drive development
“More diverse, deeper, and more effective.” This represents AN Kuntheara’s overall impression of the collaboration among GMS member countries.
On November 5, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet led a delegation from Phnom Penh to Kunming to attend the 8th Leaders’ Meeting of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Cooperation. This was Hun Manet’s second visit to China since he became Prime Minister and his first visit to Yunnan since taking office.
“As a Cambodian, I am incredibly proud and pleased with the development of mechanisms like the GMS economic cooperation and Cambodia-China collaboration. The effective functioning of these partnerships not only highlights the collective efforts of all member countries, including Cambodia, but also yields significant developmental achievements for Cambodia,” said AN Kuntheara, emphasizing that the ongoing enhancement of these cooperative mechanisms has greatly strengthened the impact of collaboration between Cambodia and China.
In his view, the ongoing enhancement of infrastructure development lays a strong foundation for Cambodia’s growth. The construction of Siem Reap Angkor International Airport has not only made it significantly easier for foreign tourists to visit Angkor Wat and explore Cambodia’s ancient civilization, but it has also generated numerous local job opportunities, fostering the growth of the aviation and service sectors.
In June of this year, AN Kuntheara was present for the unveiling of the China-Cambodia Cultural Corridor at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. During this event, travelers passing through the corridor had the opportunity to immerse themselves in both Chinese and Cambodian cultures, while AN Kuntheara also gained a deeper understanding of Yunnan, the nearest Chinese province to Cambodia. “Yunnan has unique geographical advantages and plays a vital role in fostering cooperation and exchanges between China and the five neighboring countries: Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia,” said AN Kuntheara, expressing confidence that this “Yunnan Rendezvous” will be advantageous for all parties involved. (AN Kuntheara is the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Fresh News in Cambodia.)
U Khin Maung Soe: Deepening cooperation for shared prosperity
“The countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion are geographically close, maintain friendly relations, and share cultural ties. China has consistently valued its role in the economic cooperation within the Greater Mekong Subregion.” During the 8th Leaders’ Meeting on Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation, U Khin Maung Soe, an independent analyst and member of the Myanmar Global Research Network for the Belt and Road Initiative, noted that over the past 30 years, China has actively advanced infrastructure development in collaboration with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand under the GMS economic cooperation framework. This effort aims to eliminate poverty, enhance the production and sale of agricultural products in the region, and promote economic collaboration across various sectors, thereby achieving shared prosperity and significant milestones.
U Khin Maung Soe emphasized that Myanmar is interconnected with Yunnan Province, located in the southwestern part of China, through its mountains and rivers. Currently, Yunnan Province is capitalizing on its resource advantages while actively engaging in and integrating with high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, adhering to a principle of extensive openness to promote significant development and achieve impressive economic growth. “Yunnan aims to become a vital hub for China’s interactions with South and Southeast Asia, making Myanmar’s role essential.” In U’s view, Yunnan is poised to play an increasingly important role in China’s economic development and opening up, similar to Shenzhen. In this context, economic and trade cooperation between Myanmar and Yunnan is likely to see greater success.
Additionally, U noted that China has successively introduced several significant global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. These initiatives provide robust support for enhancing GMS economic cooperation as well as the LMC mechanism. (U Khin Maung Soe is the Independent Analyst and Member of Myanmar Global Research Network for the Belt and Road Initiative.)
Krasae Chanawongse: Interconnectivity, mutual trust, and mutual benefit
“The close relationship among the GMS member countries resembles that of brothers, bonded as if they were family.” During his tenure as Minister of University Affairs, Minister of Public Health, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and adviser to the Prime Minister, Krasae Chanawongse was heavily involved in the GMS Economic Cooperation projects. He is profoundly impressed by the strong geographical ties among the GMS member countries, including Thailand, China, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Long-standing friendly exchanges have established these countries as natural partners for cooperation and enduring neighbors.
Krasae Chanawongse believes that China has played a significant role in GMS economic cooperation since its inception over 30 years ago. Particularly in the past decade, since the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, collaborative efforts have enhanced connectivity among countries through transportation networks and trade cooperation. “The relationship between Thailand and China has remained healthy and stable, characterized by mutual cooperation and trust,” stated Krasae Chanawongse. Building on the longstanding family-like friendship between China and Thailand, the relationship between the two countries has become increasingly strengthened. As a member of the GMS, Thailand is poised to play a crucial role in fostering common development among the countries. He hopes that GMS member nations will enhance their cooperation to build a prosperous future together.
“During my numerous visits to Yunnan, I have come to deeply appreciate the government’s strong developmental vision,” said Krasae Chanawongse. Yunnan is geographically close to the Mekong countries and ASEAN nations. As a vital gateway for China’s investment in these countries, Yunnan will fully capitalize on its advantages and highlight its unique role in regional cooperation. (Krasae Chanawongse is the former Thai Foreign Minister.)
Tran Toan Thang: Yunnan and Vietnam together can achieve great things
Tran Toan Thang, head of the International Issues Division at the Development Strategy Institute of the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, has concentrated his research on foreign investment economics. He noted that since the establishment of the GMS economic cooperation mechanism in 1992, regional economic cooperation has thrived.
Tran believes that the investment amount between Vietnam and GMS member countries is approximately US$20 billion in terms of economic and trade cooperation. Regarding regional infrastructure collaboration, around 12,000 kilometers of highways and nearly 700 kilometers of railways have been constructed within the region. He highlighted that this data is significant, given that all GMS members are developing countries.
“Vietnam and China are linked by mountains and rivers, with Yunnan sharing a border with Vietnam. It is essential for Yunnan and Vietnam to enhance cooperation and pursue joint development.” Tran emphasizes that both Vietnam and Yunnan serve as vital gateways in the region and are key nodes for regional connectivity. “Yunnan acts as China’s southern outlet, while Vietnam functions as the hub connecting the Greater Mekong Subregion. We should collaborate on planning for the region.”
Tran noted that trade between Vietnam and Yunnan has surged fivefold in the past five years. He also highlighted the significant potential for further cooperation in areas such as electricity collaboration and aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with the Two Corridors and One Circle strategy. Particularly under the GMS mechanism, opportunities for collaboration in poverty reduction, water resource development, disaster relief, and disease prevention between Vietnam and Yunnan are considerable, and efforts should focus on realizing this potential. (Tran Toan Thang is the Head of the International Issues Division of the Development Strategy Institute of the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam.)
Sithixay Xayavong: Sharing opportunities and creating a future together
“The atmosphere of cooperation between Laos and China is excellent, and the collaboration between the two countries continuously brings benefits to the people of both nations,” said Dr. Sithixay Xayavong, Director of the Office of Research and Academic Services and the China Research Center at the National University of Laos.
Driven by initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) mechanism, collaboration and investment between Chinese enterprises and Laos—particularly in projects like the Saysettha Development Zone in Vientiane, the Boten Special Economic Zone, and various green and sustainable development projects, including hydropower—have significantly boosted Laos’ infrastructure and economic growth.
In 1995, Xayavong made his first trip to China to study, traveling by long-distance bus from Vientiane, Laos, to Kunming, a journey that took nearly three days. Today, he can take the train on the China-Laos Railway, completing the trip from Vientiane to Kunming within a single day. “Since the opening of the China-Laos Railway, transportation costs within Laos have decreased by 30% to 40%, significantly enhancing logistics efficiency and fostering economic development in the region,” Xayavong remarked.
Beyond the “hard connectivity” of infrastructure, the progress in fostering a connection between the hearts of the people of Laos and China is equally noteworthy. In terms of cultural exchange, there were only about 40 Laotian students studying in China in 1995. Today, thousands of Laotian students travel to China each year for their education. Notably, over 6,000 Laotian students have completed their studies in Yunnan and returned to their home country to date.
As a key platform for China’s cooperation with Laos, Yunnan plays an essential role in promoting regional economic integration and fostering cultural exchanges. “In the future, we hope that China (Yunnan) and Laos can effectively utilize cooperation mechanisms such as the GMS economic cooperation mechanism, further facilitate personnel exchanges, and enhance understanding and interaction between the people of both countries, creating more development opportunities together,” Xayavong said, conveying his optimism for the future development of Laos and China. (Sithixay Xayavong is the Director of the Office of Research and Academic Services as well as the Director of the China Research Center at the National University of Laos.)
Text by our staff correspondents
Translated by YNTA