A promotional delegation for the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) visited Laos from March 1 to 3 to encourage more businesses to participate in this year's expo.

As part of the visit, a promotional event was held in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on March 3, attracting representatives from nearly 40 local enterprises and institutions.

A promotional event for the 8th CIIE is held in Vientiane, Laos, on March 3. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

Vithoun Sitthimolada, director of the Trade and Handicraft Promotion Department under the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce, stated that the CIIE has created unprecedented development opportunities for Laos, strengthening economic and trade ties between it and China. He emphasized Laos' commitment to leveraging the CIIE as a platform for global cooperation and confirmed that Laos will participate in the 8th CIIE.

Han Ye, first secretary for economic and commercial affairs at the Chinese embassy in Laos, highlighted the CIIE's role as a vital platform for China in its efforts to open up to the outside world. He noted that the expo facilitates the entry of high-quality Lao products into the Chinese market while also encouraging Chinese enterprises to invest in Laos and contribute to its infrastructure and industrial development.

Khamsen Sisavong, vice-president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities the CIIE presents. He hopes that deeper collaboration with the CIIE will create more growth prospects for Lao businesses and drive economic prosperity in the country.

Zhang Weimin, assistant president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), highlighted Laos' active participation in past CIIEs, including both the Country Exhibition and Business Exhibition, where exhibitors showcased a diverse range of products with great success. He encouraged Lao businesses to continue utilizing the CIIE as a platform to introduce high-quality specialty products, such as ancient tree tea, coffee, and handicrafts, into the Chinese market.

Attendees share their insights during the event. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

During their visit, the CIIE delegation also met with Zhang Sheping, consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in Luang Prabang, to provide updates on exhibitor recruitment for the 8th CIIE.

The CIIE delegation meets with Zhang Sheping, consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in Luang Prabang. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

Additionally, the delegation held discussions with the province's Industry and Commerce Department and Information, Culture and Tourism Department to explore opportunities to bring Lao cultural and industrial products to this year's expo.

The CIIE delegation holds discussions with representatives from local departments in Luang Prabang. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

By Zhao Guangmei