Mr. Vanpheng Somsana, Executive Director of Nongphue Industrial Park, joined the Lao PDR delegation at the Workshop on China-ASEAN Special Economic Zone Sustainable Development and the China Pilot Free Trade Zone International Cooperation Promotion Conference, held in Nanning, China, on 17-18 September 2026.
The delegation was led by Mr. Bounpheng Sibounheung, Ph.D., Director General of the Department of Manufacturing Industry, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, together with Mr. Thome Xaisongkham, UNIDO Country Representative in Lao PDR. The delegation met government agencies, development partners, investors and private sector representatives to explore cooperation in sustainable industrial development, special economic zones (SEZs), industrial parks, trade and investment.
The mission was also an opportunity to exchange experience with counterparts from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines on developing and managing SEZs and industrial parks, with a focus on industrial competitiveness, attracting investment and creating quality employment.
A key outcome was the launch of the China-ASEAN Cooperation Network on Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks, a platform for regional cooperation, knowledge sharing and future partnerships. The delegation also visited the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the Lao Pavilion to discuss opportunities to strengthen trade and attract quality investment.
For Nongphue Industrial Park, taking part widens our investor network and brings regional park-management practice back to the project, so the park is ready for the investors who will set up here next.
Source: UNIDO Lao PDR — post of 25 September 2026
