From March 31 to April 1, 2026, as part of the environmental cooperation activities under the 2026 “Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Week,” the Green Lancang-Mekong Initiative: Workshop on Haze Pollution Control and Resource Circular Utilization was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The event was jointly organized by the Lancang-Mekong Environmental Cooperation Center / Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China (hereinafter referred to as the Center), the Department of Planning and Cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Lao PDR, and the Biotechnology and Ecology Institute, with support from the Department of Ecology and Environment of Yunnan Province. Representatives from environmental authorities, research institutions, and international organizations of Lancang-Mekong countries attended the meeting.
Mr. Deng Liqiang, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Lao PDR; Mr. Inthasone Thirakul, Deputy Director General of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR; Mr. Sounadeth Soukchaleun, Deputy Director General of the Department of Planning and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Lao PDR; Ms. Teuanchith Alounlasy, Deputy Director General of the Biotechnology and Ecology Institute; and Dr. Li Xia, Deputy Director General of the Center, attended the event and delivered remarks.
Mr. Deng Liqiang noted that over the past decade since the launch of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC), it has become an important platform for promoting regional solidarity and common development, with continuous progress in environmental cooperation. Guided by the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Five-Year Action Plan (2023–2027), countries have deepened collaboration in addressing climate change and air pollution. He emphasized that China attaches great importance to ecological and environmental protection, with sustained improvements in air quality and a continuously strengthened policy and legal framework. China stands ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with LMC countries in haze control and green development, promote higher-level LMC cooperation, and inject new momentum into regional sustainable development.
Mr. Inthasone Thirakul stated that LMC has become an important platform for advancing regional sustainable development, effectively contributing to socio-economic development and people’s well-being. He pointed out that air pollution caused by forest fires and agricultural burning has become a regional challenge. Countries should strengthen policy alignment and information sharing under the LMC framework, and jointly explore pathways for sustainable agriculture and low-carbon circular development.
Mr. Sounadeth Soukchaleun emphasized that addressing regional air pollution challenges requires not only national efforts but also strengthened regional cooperation and coordinated governance. He noted that Lancang-Mekong environmental cooperation, by building a collaborative network among governments, international organizations, and the private sector, has facilitated the sharing of technical solutions, best practices, and sustainable governance models, providing an important platform for tackling shared challenges.
Ms. Teuanchith Alounlasy highlighted the long-standing close cooperation between China and Lao PDR in the field of ecological and environmental protection. Through the LMC framework, strong support has been provided to enhance Lao PDR’s air pollution management capacity. She noted that Lao PDR is actively improving its haze pollution control capacity through measures such as optimizing agricultural and environmental management systems, promoting green growth and climate strategies, and strengthening forest fire prevention and control.
Dr. Li Xia expressed appreciation for the long-term support and trust from LMC countries and partners. She noted that environmental cooperation under LMC has continued to improve in recent years. Taking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Lao PDR as an opportunity, this event represents an important practice of joint efforts to advance environmental and climate cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong region. Looking ahead to the “LMC 2.0,” the Center will work with all parties to strengthen cooperation on green and low-carbon transition and implementation of international environmental conventions, promote green investment and low-carbon technologies, explore the development of green value chain partnerships, and support sustainable and resilient development in the region.
During the meeting, participants engaged in thematic discussions on haze pollution control policies and regional cooperation, air quality monitoring and early warning, and agricultural waste resource utilization and source reduction. Consensus was reached on strengthening regional policy coordination and information sharing, enhancing air pollution monitoring and early warning capabilities, and promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry development. All parties expressed the expectation to continue leveraging the platform of the Lancang-Mekong Environmental Cooperation Center to deepen practical cooperation in policy exchange, technology sharing, and capacity building.
