Laos

Note: This column mainly includes countries along the Belt and Road and countries that have signed cooperation agreements with China on Belt and Road Initiative.

In 2013, the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between the People's Republic of China and the Lao People's Democratic Republic developed smoothly.

There were frequent high-level visits. In September, Choummaly Sayasone, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of the State, paid an official goodwill visit to China, during which General Secretary of CPC Central Committee and President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, CPPCC Chairman Yu Zhengsheng and other leaders of the CPC and the government held meetings or talks with him. The two sides reached important agreement on developing the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation featuring mutual trust, mutual help and mutual benefit in the new era. In September, Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong came to China for the 10th China-ASEAN Expo. Pany Yathortou, President of the National Assembly, Bounnhang Vorachit, Vice President of the State, and Duangchay Phichit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, visited China. In November, CPPCC Vice Chairman Liu Xiaofeng visited Laos.

Economic cooperation and trade developed smoothly. Bilateral trade continued to grow rapidly. China was among the biggest investors in Laos. The two sides expanded their practical cooperation in infrastructure connectivity, agriculture, hydro-power, tourism and other fields. China continued to offer support and help, to the best of its abilities, to Laos for its economic development and social progress.

Fresh progress was made in friendly cooperation in other fields. The CPC and the LPRP worked more closely together in the training of officials and theoretical discussions. In November, the second seminar was held to share experience on how to improve party conduct and build a clean government in new circumstances. There was frequent exchange of visits between the cultural, educational, health and transportation departments of the two countries with practical cooperation between them further deepened. There were closer friendly exchanges and practical cooperation at the provincial and district levels. China set up a consulate general in Luang Prabang.