The $10 billion Boden Special Economic Zone on the Laos-China border is one of the largest Chinese investments in Laos The Vientiane Times quoted Laos Minister of Planning and Investment Kamjane von Fassi as saying that China remains the largest foreign investor in Laos, having invested about US$16.4 billion in 833 projects so far. The economic sectors in which investments are made are diverse, ranging from small, medium and large enterprises to state-owned and private enterprises. Among them, the largest investment is Laos-China Railway, Vientiane-Vang Vieng Expressway, Saiseta Development Zone outside the capital Vientiane, Boding…
China continues to be the largest foreign investor in Laos, having invested about US$16.4 billion in 833 projects to date, Vientiane Times The country’s Minister of Planning and Investment, Khamjane Vongphosy, was quoted as saying.
The economic sectors in which investments are made are diverse, ranging from small, medium and large enterprises to state-owned and private enterprises.
Among the biggest investments are the Laos-China railway, the Vientiane-Vang Vieng highway, the Saiseta development zone outside the capital Vientiane, the Boding Special Economic Zone on the northern Chinese border, and power transmission lines and hydropower plants.
‘Good for both countries’
All of this “brings significant benefits to Laos and China,” Vongphosy said, adding that the ministry is looking for ways to promote and manage more private sector investment in Laos in the future.
“There is considerable interest in investments in the mining industry, so during the process of project deliberation and approval, it is important to pay attention to the terms and conditions set by investors,” he noted.
New energy projects
In terms of Laos’ huge energy generation sector, the government plans to expand the neighboring country’s electricity market to create opportunities for projects that have potential but lack market opportunities, the minister added.
Agriculture also has a lot of potential and has received a lot of attention from Chinese investors, he said, noting that the government will encourage increased production to take advantage of new market opportunities for fruits and vegetables in China.
