KPL
Economic collaboration between France and Laos remains a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship. Following the meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in early October in Paris, France has continued its efforts to deepen economic ties.
(KPL) Economic collaboration between France and
Laos remains a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship. Following the
meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Lao President Thongloun
Sisoulith in early October in Paris, France has continued its efforts to deepen
economic ties.
On November 25-26, Mr. François Corbin, Special
Representative of the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs for
Economic Relations with ASEAN, visited Laos to reinforce these initiatives.
During his meetings with Lao Vice-Ministers Mr. Chanthaboun Soukaloun (Energy
and Mines) and Mr. Bountheng Douangsavanh (Industry and Trade), Mr. Corbin
emphasized the significance of this visit, coinciding with the 70th anniversary
of the France-Laos Friendship Treaty celebrated in 2023.
France views ASEAN as a vital economic driver and
a strategic partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy. In this framework, French
industrialists are prepared to offer innovative, high-quality solutions
tailored to the needs of Laotian authorities and business partners.
A reception at the French Embassy on November 26
provided a platform for French and Lao entrepreneurs to network. The event was
attended by Lao Minister of Industry and Trade Mr. Malaythong Kommasith, Mr.
François Corbin, and French Ambassador Siv-Leng Chhuor.
In his speech, Mr. Corbin underscored the
strengths of French companies in addressing the priorities of the Lao
government. He highlighted how French expertise could enhance Laos’ regional
connectivity, particularly within ASEAN, a hub of global economic growth.
Ambassador Chhuor commended the robust contributions of French entrepreneurs,
particularly in integrating sustainable development into their ventures.
The revival of the France-Laos Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (CCIFL), marked by the inauguration of its new premises
on November 25, was celebrated as a milestone. The CCIFL aims to amplify French
economic engagement in Laos, with a focus on sectors such as renewable energy,
logistics, water management, sustainable tourism, education, health, and agriculture.
This series of events reinforces the shared
commitment of France and Laos to deepen economic relations while fostering
sustainable development and regional integration.
KPL
