European Union (EU)-ASEAN businesses and cooperation agencies discussed the opportunities and challenges of ASEAN’s green transition in the Partners’ Dialogue forum with the Delegation of the European Union to ASEAN.
Hosted by the Ambassador of the European Union (EU), Sujiro Seam, representatives of EU-ASEAN institutions, Member States, businesses, and cooperation agencies engaged in knowledge and experience sharing on ASEAN’s green transition and the transformative impact of the Global Gateway strategy.
Launched in 2021, the Global Gateway strategy is the EU’s strategy to boost infrastructure investments in five key areas: digitalization, energy, transport, health, as well as education and research. It aims to support the global green and digital transitions and tackle global challenges such as climate change, global health security, sustainable development, and stronger supply chains.
Global Gateway has the ambition to mobilize EUR 300 billion (USD 332.1 billion) worldwide, building on commitments from all Team Europe partners – European Union, its member states, and finance institutions- and from the private sector.
Ambassador of the European Union to ASEAN, Sujiro Seam, delivers an opening remark
“This year, we launched a EUR 60 million (USD 66.4 million) package of new connectivity projects to support the enabling environment for quality and sustainable investments in the region. Under the umbrella of this package contributing to the Global Gateway in ASEAN, we have new projects planned or starting in areas such as investment, trade, higher education, transport, energy connectivity and digitalization.” Sujiro Seam, EU Ambassador to ASEAN.
“The EU has always recognized the importance of our partnership with the private sector. The EU and ASEAN are currently each other’s 3rd largest trading partners, and the EU is also the 3rd external provider of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the ASEAN region,” Ambassador Seam added.
” The European Investment Bank plays a pivotal role in supporting ASEAN’s green transition. Through the Global Gateway strategy, the EIB reaffirms its commitment to financing sustainable infrastructure projects that drive digitalization, energy efficiency, and resilient transport systems. Our investments are designed to not only tackle climate change but also to stimulate economic growth and innovation across the region. By leveraging our financial expertise and resources, the EIB is dedicated to building a sustainable, more connected, and prosperous future for ASEAN.” Sunita Lukkhoo, Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) regional representation for Southeast Asia and Pacific said.
On 24 October, the Australian Government provided essential learning materials to primary schools in Luang Namtha Province that were affected by recent flooding.
This initiative targeted schools in the Namtha, Nalae, and Sing districts, which experienced significant damage from flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi in September. The floods destroyed buildings and vital teaching resources, impacting around 1,800 students and teachers across 17 primary schools.
In response to an urgent request from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Australia financed the purchase of 7,740 textbooks and 1,530 teacher guides, totaling LAK 330,632,400 (approximately USD 15,081). These materials, which cover subjects like Lao Language, Science, and Social Studies, ensure comprehensive support for all primary grades.
Vice Minister Samlane Phankhavong and Benita Sommerville, Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission, officially handed over the materials, stressing the importance of quickly restoring educational resources. Samlane expressed gratitude for Australia’s ongoing support, highlighting that replacing lost textbooks is crucial for helping classes resume promptly.
During the first nine months of 2024, Vientiane’s five special economic zones (SEZs) attracted investments from 39 new domestic and foreign companies, totaling USD 622.59 million in capital investment and USD 224.51 million in registered capital. This performance surpassed the city’s annual target of 35 companies.
This update was shared at a recent meeting at the Vientiane Government Office, led by Deputy Governor of the Bank of Laos, Suliwat Suvanajumkham, and Deputy Governor of Vientiane Capital, Sirilat Nongsin Thongpheng. The meeting focused on the progress made in line with the national agenda and the goals outlined in the 9th National Economic Development Plan.
Deputy Governor Sirilat reported on Vientiane’s ongoing investment attraction efforts, which began in 2021, with projects spanning several sectors, including agriculture and forestry, industry and trade, media, culture, and tourism, and public works and transport.
So far, 12 of these projects have attracted investor interest. Of these, seven have received investment and concession approvals, four are in the feasibility study phase, and one is still in the proposal stage.
The five SEZs—Xaysettha Comprehensive Development Zone, Bueng That Luang Special Economic Zone, Long Thang-Vientiane Special Economic Zone, Dong Pho Si Special Economic Zone, and Vientiane Logistics Zone—are progressing, particularly in infrastructure development, including residential buildings and factories.
Among the 39 new investments, 24 came from foreign companies, seven from domestic firms, and eight were joint ventures. To date, realized investments total USD 40.32 million.
This strong growth highlights Vientiane’s strategic position in attracting foreign investment and driving economic development in Laos.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Laos-Seals-MOU-With-Chinese-Firm-for-Development-of-That-Luang-SEZ.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-11-16 10:48:302024-11-01 10:50:10Vientiane Special Economic Zones Attract Over USD 622 Million in Investment in First Nine Months of 2024
European Union-ASEAN Dialogue Explores Green Transition Opportunities, Challenges
European Union (EU)-ASEAN businesses and cooperation agencies discussed the opportunities and challenges of ASEAN’s green transition in the Partners’ Dialogue forum with the Delegation of the European Union to ASEAN.
Hosted by the Ambassador of the European Union (EU), Sujiro Seam, representatives of EU-ASEAN institutions, Member States, businesses, and cooperation agencies engaged in knowledge and experience sharing on ASEAN’s green transition and the transformative impact of the Global Gateway strategy.
Launched in 2021, the Global Gateway strategy is the EU’s strategy to boost infrastructure investments in five key areas: digitalization, energy, transport, health, as well as education and research. It aims to support the global green and digital transitions and tackle global challenges such as climate change, global health security, sustainable development, and stronger supply chains.
Global Gateway has the ambition to mobilize EUR 300 billion (USD 332.1 billion) worldwide, building on commitments from all Team Europe partners – European Union, its member states, and finance institutions- and from the private sector.
“This year, we launched a EUR 60 million (USD 66.4 million) package of new connectivity projects to support the enabling environment for quality and sustainable investments in the region. Under the umbrella of this package contributing to the Global Gateway in ASEAN, we have new projects planned or starting in areas such as investment, trade, higher education, transport, energy connectivity and digitalization.” Sujiro Seam, EU Ambassador to ASEAN.
“The EU has always recognized the importance of our partnership with the private sector. The EU and ASEAN are currently each other’s 3rd largest trading partners, and the EU is also the 3rd external provider of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the ASEAN region,” Ambassador Seam added.
” The European Investment Bank plays a pivotal role in supporting ASEAN’s green transition. Through the Global Gateway strategy, the EIB reaffirms its commitment to financing sustainable infrastructure projects that drive digitalization, energy efficiency, and resilient transport systems. Our investments are designed to not only tackle climate change but also to stimulate economic growth and innovation across the region. By leveraging our financial expertise and resources, the EIB is dedicated to building a sustainable, more connected, and prosperous future for ASEAN.” Sunita Lukkhoo, Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) regional representation for Southeast Asia and Pacific said.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/01/european-union-asean-dialogue-explores-green-transition-opportunities-challenges/
Australian Government Provides Educational Relief Following Typhoon Yagi’s Devastation in Luang Namtha
On 24 October, the Australian Government provided essential learning materials to primary schools in Luang Namtha Province that were affected by recent flooding.
This initiative targeted schools in the Namtha, Nalae, and Sing districts, which experienced significant damage from flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi in September. The floods destroyed buildings and vital teaching resources, impacting around 1,800 students and teachers across 17 primary schools.
In response to an urgent request from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Australia financed the purchase of 7,740 textbooks and 1,530 teacher guides, totaling LAK 330,632,400 (approximately USD 15,081). These materials, which cover subjects like Lao Language, Science, and Social Studies, ensure comprehensive support for all primary grades.
Vice Minister Samlane Phankhavong and Benita Sommerville, Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission, officially handed over the materials, stressing the importance of quickly restoring educational resources. Samlane expressed gratitude for Australia’s ongoing support, highlighting that replacing lost textbooks is crucial for helping classes resume promptly.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/25/australian-government-provides-educational-relief-following-typhoon-yagis-devastation-in-luang-namtha/
Vientiane Special Economic Zones Attract Over USD 622 Million in Investment in First Nine Months of 2024
During the first nine months of 2024, Vientiane’s five special economic zones (SEZs) attracted investments from 39 new domestic and foreign companies, totaling USD 622.59 million in capital investment and USD 224.51 million in registered capital. This performance surpassed the city’s annual target of 35 companies.
This update was shared at a recent meeting at the Vientiane Government Office, led by Deputy Governor of the Bank of Laos, Suliwat Suvanajumkham, and Deputy Governor of Vientiane Capital, Sirilat Nongsin Thongpheng. The meeting focused on the progress made in line with the national agenda and the goals outlined in the 9th National Economic Development Plan.
Deputy Governor Sirilat reported on Vientiane’s ongoing investment attraction efforts, which began in 2021, with projects spanning several sectors, including agriculture and forestry, industry and trade, media, culture, and tourism, and public works and transport.
So far, 12 of these projects have attracted investor interest. Of these, seven have received investment and concession approvals, four are in the feasibility study phase, and one is still in the proposal stage.
The five SEZs—Xaysettha Comprehensive Development Zone, Bueng That Luang Special Economic Zone, Long Thang-Vientiane Special Economic Zone, Dong Pho Si Special Economic Zone, and Vientiane Logistics Zone—are progressing, particularly in infrastructure development, including residential buildings and factories.
Among the 39 new investments, 24 came from foreign companies, seven from domestic firms, and eight were joint ventures. To date, realized investments total USD 40.32 million.
This strong growth highlights Vientiane’s strategic position in attracting foreign investment and driving economic development in Laos.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/25/vientiane-special-economic-zones-attract-over-usd-622-million-in-investment-in-first-nine-months-of-2024/