NANNING, China: Laos is pushing ahead with its ‘Three Hubs’ vision to boost digital growth, green energy and regional connectivity through stronger links with China and Asean.
Deputy Minister of Technology and Communications Saysana Sitthiphone led a Lao delegation attending the 2025 Asean-China Advanced Industrial Cooperation and Development Exchange Conference and the China-Vietnam Cross-Border Economic Cooperation Development Conference, held in Nanning, Guangxi province, China, from September 15-19, according to the Ministry of Technology and Communications.
He noted that Laos has set a growth target of 4.8 per cent for 2025. To achieve this, the government is prioritising agricultural modernisation, renewable and clean energy, digital economy expansion, and infrastructure upgrades.
Looking to the future, Saysana outlined Laos’ ambition to become three regional hubs under the Belt and Road framework – a hub for digital technology transformation, a hub for green energy transport and a hub for cross-border logistics and distribution.
In his address, Saysana stressed the impact of the China-Laos Railway, which he said has turned Laos from being merely landlocked to land-linked.
The railway has become a vital artery for industrial goods, trade, and cross-border cooperation, helping to connect Laos more closely with its neighbours.
While in Nanning, the Lao delegation also attended the Asean Ecosystem Partner Summit hosted by iFlytek Co., Ltd. At the summit, the Ministry of Technology and Communications signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the company to foster cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence.
The agreement focuses on technology transfer, operations, and investment to support development in Laos’ economy, society, culture and industry.
On September 18, the Deputy Minister participated in a ministerial-level roundtable on artificial intelligence, where he also launched the Lao language AI model in collaboration with ALO Technology Co., Ltd. and the Asean Big Data Centre Co., Ltd.
The project is seen as a milestone in digital transformation, making technology more accessible to Lao users.
Later that day, Saysana held talks with Guangxi Investment Group Co., Ltd., leading to the signing of a second Memorandum of Understanding.
This agreement will study the feasibility of applying artificial intelligence in Laos, adding another layer to the country’s digital modernisation efforts.
Through these partnerships, Laos is signalling its determination to harness technology and strengthen its role in regional integration.
The ‘Three Hubs’ vision is expected to create new opportunities in trade, investment, and innovation, while supporting the country’s push into a new digital era. - Vientiane Times/ANN
