Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Khamjane Vongphosy (in yellow shirt), visiting a Lao booth at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. - VT
VIENTIANE: In anticipation of the 50th National Day in December this year, Laos is marking the occasion at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, with a vibrant cultural showcase and high-level policy forum, reaffirming the country’s vision for sustainable development and international cooperation in South-East Asia.
A ceremony to launch Laos’ participation in the expo was led by Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Khamjane Vongphosy, and included a formal flag-raising ceremony and traditional Lao performances, featuring the iconic khaen instrument.
These cultural elements offered delegates a rich and authentic glimpse into Lao heritage.
Expo 2025 Osaka, officially known as the World Expo 2025, is a major international exposition taking place from April 13 to Oct 13.
Khamjane said “Expo 2025 takes the theme ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’, a vision that reflects global needs, such as innovation, sustainability and overall development, and Laos is extremely proud to be a part of this important international gathering.”
“The official Laos Day event at the World Expo Osaka is not only a joint celebration of our national uniqueness with our Japanese hosts, but also a celebration of friendship and cooperation for a peaceful future and the well-being of humanity worldwide.
"Having friends, development partners, and strategic partners like Japan is a huge support for Laos on the path to a prosperous future.”
Japan’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Matsumoto Hisashi, said “Under the theme “Green Growth Economy for the Sustainable Development of Laos”, Laos’ pavilion focuses on its 50 ethnic groups’ diverse cultural expressions, including traditional handicrafts. We hope that the exhibition will help to spread Laos’ appeal in Japan and the rest of the world.”
In the afternoon of the same day, the government hosted a forum titled “Laos as the Destination for Green Development in South-East Asia”, where senior officials presented national policy frameworks focused on green growth, economic reform, and regional connectivity.
Key topics included green investment and sustainability. These emphasised low-carbon growth, eco-industrial development, clean manufacturing zones, and tourism innovation.
This aims to position Laos as a premier destination for eco and cultural travel and sustainable agriculture and agribusiness, showcasing modern farming methods, transport and connectivity, and strengthening Laos’ role as a regional trade hub.
Investors and stakeholders heard directly from government ministers and foreign investors operating in Laos’ special economic zones and industrial parks, who shared case studies highlighting the success of public-private partnerships in the country.
Under the overarching theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, the Expo 2025 serves as a global platform where countries, international organisations, NGOs, and businesses gather to share ideas and showcase innovations that address the world’s most pressing challenges. - Vientiane Times/ANN
