November 12, 2024
VIENTIANE – Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and a high-level Lao delegation have concluded their visit to Kunming, China, to attend last week’s 8th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit.
Held under the theme “Toward a Better Community through Innovation-Driven Development”, the meeting was chaired by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and attended by leaders of other Mekong countries of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, along with the President of the Asian Development Bank.
The PM met bilaterally with other regional leaders amid the adoption of two documents at the event: a joint declaration of the 8th GMS Summit and an innovation strategy for development through to 2030.
This summit was divided into two parts, with a retreat and plenary session aimed at enhancing friendly relations and furthering economic cooperation in the Mekong sub-region.
Discussions at the summit focused on aligning development plans with the socio-economic needs of member countries and leveraging innovation to strengthen regional and global competitiveness.
The 8th GMS Summit also included key meetings, such as a governors’ meeting to discuss the development of economic corridors in the Mekong region and a senior officials’ meeting to review work plans, strategies, and research presented at the summit.
Additionally, a development partners’ meeting was held to boost the involvement of development and strategic partners while promoting cooperation and attracting investment to the region.