Shanghai and Vientiane reaffirm high-quality cooperation

Shanghai and Vientiane are expected to enhance collaborations, especially in the realm of green and sustainable initiatives, a development pathway that the Lao's capital city prioritizes, said the city governor in a media interview in Shanghai on Thursday.

On the same day, the Letter of Intent for Friendly Cooperation and Exchanges was signed between the two cities, ahead of the official opening of the Global Mayors Dialogue and the 2025 Shanghai International Friendship Cities Cooperation Forum.

Athsaphangthong Siphandone, governor of Vientiane, said this agreement will facilitate political, economic and cultural exchanges, paving the way for collaborative efforts in green initiatives and beyond, and marking a crucial milestone in the partnerships between the two cities.

Siphandone said that Vientiane has formulated a comprehensive plan for green development set for 2030. The plan includes expanding urban green spaces to transform Vientiane into a sustainable city, establishing public transportation systems to enable residents to commute using low-carbon modes of transport more often, and addressing urban waste and sewage management.

Recognizing the need for widespread participation, especially from the youth, to achieve such goals, Siphandone emphasized the importance of education in raising awareness among young individuals.

"Through today's event, I believe the leaders from many cities around the world can get to know more about the green initiatives and achievements of Shanghai, a modern and prosperous city," he said.

"Looking ahead, I look forward to bolstering economic and trade cooperation between the two cities, with a focus on attracting more Shanghai-based enterprises to invest in Vientiane. Additionally, I see potentials for exporting high-quality Laotian products to Shanghai, while also fostering exchanges in development experiences, talent cultivation, tourism, culture, and urbanization, aiming for mutual growth and benefits," he said.

The governor also noted the increasing number of Laotian students studying in China, with over 800 Laotian students studying in Shanghai in 2024. He expressed hopes for more young people to come to China, particularly Shanghai, for educational pursuits.

In areas, such as public health, healthcare, mineral resource development, education, and animal and plant quarantine, Siphandone acknowledged the shortage of talent locally, and expressed a desire for increased collaboration with China and Shanghai.

Mayors and representatives from 26 cities spanning 22 countries across five continents have gathered in Shanghai for the event, which involves topics including green and low-carbon empowerment for sustainable urban development and inspiring youth vitality for city innovation in the future.

The event aims to ignite inspirations among attending mayors to craft tailored solutions for their respective cities, and to provide a global outlook on tackling shared urban challenges.