Laos and Hong Kong have signed 12 agreements to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including education, economics, trade, and reciprocal tariff assistance. The pacts were formalized during a visit by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee to Laos from July 28-30, marking the first visit by a Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to the Southeast Asian nation.
The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement emphasizing that the agreements will serve as a framework to strengthen future cooperation between the two sides. During his visit, Chief Executive Lee met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith, who extended the invitation for this official visit. The two leaders acknowledged the significance of Lee’s visit in fostering future cooperation between Laos and Hong Kong, which is recognized globally as a leading financial hub.
The discussions between the officials focused on expanding relations and cooperation in various fields such as economics, trade, investment, finance, banking, education, transportation, health, and tourism. Both sides noted the importance of the weekly direct flight between Laos and Hong Kong in facilitating people-to-people and business-to-business exchanges.
John Lee was accompanied by high-ranking officials and around 30 leaders from prominent international, mainland Chinese, and Hong Kong enterprises. These enterprises operate in sectors including finance, insurance, innovation, technology, professional services, infrastructure, transport, logistics, energy, and hospitality. The business delegation engaged in talks with Lao entrepreneurs to explore potential partnership opportunities, leveraging Hong Kong’s strategic position as a superconnector linking China with the global market.
Dr. Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), stated that the visit aims to strengthen economic ties between Laos and Hong Kong, and broader economic relations between ASEAN and Hong Kong. He highlighted Hong Kong’s intention to support the growth of Lao SMEs in areas such as banking, digital finance, logistics, and e-commerce by helping them build capacity, find partners, and explore new markets.
Additionally, the recent implementation of a 15-day visa-free policy for Chinese tourists visiting Laos is expected to open new business and tourism opportunities. Deputy PM Saleumxay Kommasith invited Hong Kong investors to capitalize on Laos’ strategic location as a logistics hub within the region. He underscored the transformative impact of the Laos-China Railway, part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has enhanced Laos' connectivity to regional and global supply chains, enabling express freight links to Malaysia via Thailand, and further to China and Europe.
During his visit, Chief Executive Lee also met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. The Prime Minister welcomed the delegation and encouraged Hong Kong investors to pursue business opportunities in Laos. Lao Consul General to Hong Kong Ammala Saenchonghuk highlighted the investment potential in Laos, noting that 12 Special and Specific Economic Zones (SEZs) are being developed and operated across the country, offering incentives such as tax breaks and low labor costs.
The developer of the Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone, part of the broader BRI economic belt, emphasized that manufacturers in SEZs benefit from privileged access to major markets. Goods made in Laos enjoy exemptions or reductions in import tariffs in approximately 42 countries and territories, with no limits on the quota.
Chief Executive Lee expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation, and committed to enhancing cooperation between Hong Kong and Laos. The visit underscores the growing relationship between the two regions and sets the stage for increased economic and cultural exchanges in the future.
