A landmark environmental technical assistance project, named Environmental Protection Planning and Engineering Technical Assistance Project for Lao PDR, was officially launched in Vientiane on September 5, 2025 and marks a significant step forward in China-Laos cooperation on ecological conservation under the framework of the "Eight Major Projects for Laos" proposed by President Xi Jinping during his state visit to the country in November 2017.
The "Environmental Protection Planning and Engineering Technical Assistance Project for Lao PDR" (hereinafter referred to as the "TA Project") was inaugurated with the aim of translating the vision of a China-Laos community with a shared future into tangible ecological outcomes. The project, approved by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) with support from the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), is implemented by the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center (FECO)/Lancang-Mekong Environmental Cooperation Center (LMEC) of MEE. Coordination is being provided by the Chinese Embassy in Laos, the Lao-China Cooperation Committee, and the Department of International Economic and Trade Affairs of MOFCOM.
The launch ceremony was attended by key figures from both nations, including Dr. Saynakhone INTHAVONG, Vice Minister of Laos’ Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE); Ms. LI Xizhen, Economic and Commercial Councilor of the Chinese Embassy in Laos; Mr. Sisoulad LADSASISINE, Deputy Director General of the Lao-China Cooperation Committee; Dr. LI Xia, Deputy Director General of FECO/LMEC; Mr. Sounadeth SOUKCHALEUN, Deputy Director General of the Department of Planning and Cooperation of MAE; and Mr. Khamsene OUNEKHAM, Director General of the Biotechnology and Ecology Institute of MAE. Representatives from MAE’s Departments of Planning and Cooperation, Water Resources, and Environment, as well as the Biotechnology and Ecology Institute, and the Chinese expert team of the TA Project, were also present.
Over the next three years, the TA Project will focus on three core areas: formulating a comprehensive water environment management plan, developing a systematic approach to air pollution prevention and control, and implementing pilot demonstrations for domestic wastewater treatment and air quality monitoring. Additionally, it will deliver capacity-building programs for 2,600 Lao professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to advance in the field of ecological governance. By strengthening Laos’ environmental protection capabilities, the project aims to not only drive sustainable development in Laos but also generate shared ecological benefits for both countries. It serves as a practical embodiment of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization in global environmental governance and as a vivid example of how China and Laos are integrating green, low-carbon, and sustainable development principles into their shared future.
Vice Minister Dr. Saynakhone noted that China has made remarkable achievements in ecological and environmental governance in recent years, providing valuable experience and an important model for Laos in advancing green and sustainable development. Both Laos and China regard environmental protection as a key approach to improving the well-being of their people and are firmly committed to promoting green and sustainable development. The ongoing TA Project, which focuses on environmental protection planning, presents a significant opportunity for Laos to enhance its environmental governance capacity. MAE will provide full support for the project’s implementation to ensure its successful completion as planned.
Counsellor Li Xizhen noted that China and Laos are good neighbors, friends, comrades and partners bound by shared mountains and rivers. The newly launched TA project is one of the "Eight Major Projects for Assisting Laos" personally announced by President Xi Jinping, serving as a concrete step to implement the important common understandings reached by the top leaders of both countries. This initiative fully demonstrates the Chinese government’s strong commitment to supporting Laos’ economic and social development, particularly its ecological civilization initiatives. It represents the latest achievement in building a China-Laos community with a shared future in the field of environmental protection.
Dr. Li Xia noted that China and Laos have consistently prioritized ecological conservation and sustainable development as vital components in building the China-Laos community with a shared future. This commitment provides significant direction for the collaborative implementation of this project. The FECO/LMEC of MEE will utilize its expertise in international ecological and environmental cooperation to enhance coordination with the Lao MAE. This will include strengthened information sharing and personnel exchanges, with a focus on developing comprehensive plans for integrated water and air environment governance. The implementation of these plans will be advanced through targeted, high-impact demonstration projects. Capacity-building initiatives will be continuously enhanced in both content and format, ensuring the project delivers tangible benefits to the people of Laos.
A joint working group comprising both Chinese and Lao experts will be established to align the project with Laos’ national conditions and development plans. This group will focus on establishing effective ecological governance mechanisms, cultivating local talent, and ensuring the project delivers sustainable, long-term outcomes.
