2023.12.08
December 7, 2023 – The 2nd Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation was held in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Themed “Laos-China Community of Shared Future: New Era, New Opportunities, New Paradigm”, the forum was graced with a congratulatory message from Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Lao President. Key attendees included Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Member of the Political Bureau of the LPRP Central Committee and Deputy Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), H.E. Suanesavanh Vignaket, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR, FU Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency, and WANG Chang, Charge d ‘affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Laos. WTA Chair ZHANG Xu was invited to the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech.
In his address, ZHANG Xu reflected on the 60-plus years of diplomatic relations between China and Laos, characterized by equality, mutual benefit, and comprehensive cooperation. Marking the 10th anniversary of the “Belt and Road” initiative, he noted how the initiative has closely linked the destinies of participating countries, bringing tangible benefits to build a community with a shared future for all. The tourism industry has played an irreplaceable role in promoting economic, political, and cultural exchanges among these countries, becoming a vital force in creating jobs, alleviating poverty, stimulating consumption, and driving economic growth. The World Tourism Alliance (WTA), initiated by China, operates with the mission of “Better Tourism, Better Life, Better World” and is committed to “Promoting Tourism for Peace, Development, and Poverty Alleviation”. As a non-governmental international tourism organization, the WTA focuses on enhancing global connectivity and shared governance in the tourism sector. Currently, the Alliance boasts 236 members from 41 countries and regions, covering various sectors of the tourism industry. ZHANG underscored the WTA’s future role in leveraging its platform for international exchange and cooperation, pooling global member resources to foster rapid development in China-Laos tourism.
The 2nd Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation was established pursuant to the consensus between leaders of China and Laos. As a cooperation project of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, it is jointly hosted by the Laos Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Xinhua News Agency, and the Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce, with the WTA as a supporting organization. The forum witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements in finance, media, communications, and cultural tourism between Chinese and Lao enterprises and institutions.