Lao PDR and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Strengthen Cooperation on Sustainable Green Forest Industry Development

Vientiane, Lao PDR – 29 July 2026 — The Department of Forestry of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, held a bilateral meeting with the Forestry Department of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the Peoples Republic of China to strengthen cooperation on sustainable forestry, green forest industry development and biodiversity conservation. The meeting was co-chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, Head of the Department of Forestry of Lao PDR, and Mr. Ling Guangming, Second-Level Inspector of the Forestry Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, with participation from government agencies, academic institutions and the private sector of both countries. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the Draft Action Plan for the China (Guangxi)–Lao PDR Forest Industry Cooperation Zone, which supports implementation of the Joint Action Plan on building the Lao–China Community with a Shared Future for the period 2024–2028. The Lao delegation welcomed the draft as being consistent with the Forestry Strategy of Lao PDR to 2035 and proposed the inclusion of a dedicated component on wildlife conservation and law enforcement cooperation, covering transboundary wildlife conservation, ecological corridor protection, integrated monitoring systems, information sharing, implementation of CITES, wildlife forensic capacity and joint efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade. Both sides agreed that development of the forest industry should proceed alongside conservation of forests, wildlife and biodiversity, while promoting sustainable timber supply chains, environmental protection and community benefits. The meeting concluded with agreement to continue technical consultations, finalise the Action Plan, identify priority pilot projects and explore establishment of a Lao–China Forestry Cooperation Coordination Mechanism to promote investment, innovation, research and sustainable forest industry development, further strengthening practical cooperation between Lao PDR and China.