Regional Cooperation: Myanmar delegation attends forum in Vientiane

Hosted by ASEAN-China Center (ACC), Forum on achievements and prospects of aligning China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC2025) was held in Vientiane, Laos from 26th to 29th November, and it was attended by Myanmar delegation led by Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Dr. Thet Thet Khaing. 

On 26th November, the delegation visited the tourist attractions places in Vientiane and attended the welcoming dinner reception.  On the 27th, the delegation attended the forum where Deputy Prime Minister of Laos People’s Democratic Republic, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Laos and the vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference made opening remarks. After that, Union Minister Dr. Thet Thet Khaing made an opening speech saying that the China Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will promote cooperation between the People's Republic of China and ASEAN countries.

The opening of the China-Laos cross-country railway in 2021 which is a process of the BRI Project is a significant connection and cooperation. She added that the construction of the railway can create many new trade opportunities between China and ASEAN countries, and it will contribute for easy access in trading, save costs, improve tourism and create employment opportunities.

She continued that the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC2025) includes the cooperation of Myanmar-Laos Energy sector, constructions of Myanmar railways and highways. Also she urged China to assist ASEAN countries in infrastructure projects, trade issues, digital transformation and human resource development.

Next, ASEAN Deputy Secretary General for the ASEAN Economic Community and Secretary General of the ASEAN-China Center made speeches. Then, the Deputy Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar provided updates on the ASEAN-China communication integration process and achievements.

After that, the Myanmar Ambassador to Lao People's Democratic Republic gave briefing the opportunities and challenges to be faced in the future, and the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade Communications discussed issues related to investment sector of Myanmar.

Next, the delegation led by Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism, visited Sing Thon Temple and the Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang on 28th November. Myanmar delegation left from Luang Prabang in the afternoon on 29th November and arrived back in Yangon on the same evening.