BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. Laos is
interested in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan in sectors such
as the mining industry, energy, trade, transport and logistics,
information technology, and artificial intelligence (AI), Executive
Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(LNCCI) Thanongsinh Kanlagna told Trend in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of
the Azerbaijan-Laos Business Forum held in Baku on Wednesday.
According to him, the fact that the two countries are situated
in different regional economic hubs creates new opportunities for
mutual investment and technology exchange.
He noted that Azerbaijan is located in the Caspian Sea region,
near Central Asia, while Laos is situated in Southeast Asia within
the ASEAN bloc. This geographical positioning enables the two
countries to gain access to their respective regional markets.
"Azerbaijan and Laos are situated at the heart of different
regional economic blocs. In this regard, there are numerous
opportunities for us to collaborate. For instance, in the mining
sector, Azerbaijan has gold-producing companies, while Laos exports
gold ore. We could cooperate on the exchange of technology and
investment in this field," he said.
Kanlagna remarked that the energy sector also represents a
promising area for cooperation. According to him, the activities of
the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) in this field create
additional grounds for a potential partnership between the two
countries.
He also emphasized the importance of energy efficiency. He noted
that despite the proliferation of electric vehicles, heavy-duty
vehicles still rely on traditional fuels. Therefore, the exchange
of expertise and technology regarding energy efficiency could be
mutually beneficial.
The executive vice president also highlighted opportunities for
cooperation in the development of small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs). According to him, in addition to the Laotian
market, there is potential for access to the markets of neighboring
countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
"Cooperation shouldn't be limited to the domestic markets of the
two countries alone. Through Laos, Azerbaijani companies could
explore other Southeast Asian markets, while Laotian companies
could consider new trade opportunities in the region via
Azerbaijan," he mentioned.
Kanlagna highlighted that youth entrepreneurship, startups,
information technology, and AI could also be included in the
cooperation agenda.
He noted that AI creates new opportunities for solving problems
across various sectors, including agriculture and energy, not just
information technology. The development of innovative projects and
startups in these areas could strengthen ties between the business
communities of the two countries.
Bilateral agreements and visa regime
The executive vice president also emphasized the importance of
expanding the legal framework for the development of economic
relations between Azerbaijan and Laos.
"We have concrete plans to sign agreements and memorandums of
understanding with our Azerbaijani partners. Work on preparing
these documents is underway, and it is possible to carry out part
of the process online," he noted.
According to Kanlagna, the signing of an agreement to waive visa
requirements for holders of service passports, concluded at the
level of the two countries' foreign ministers, marks a significant
step in the development of relations.
He noted that the progress achieved in this area is expected to
facilitate business trips and commercial ties in the future.
"This step regarding visas is a good start. We hope it will help
further facilitate trade and business relations down the line," he
stressed.
The chamber representative mentioned that they had invited the
Azerbaijani side to visit Laos and noted the potential for planning
reciprocal visits and meetings. He also highlighted the importance
of Azerbaijan's relations with ASEAN countries, such as Vietnam,
Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia, for the expansion of regional
cooperation.
Railway and direct air links
Kanlagna said that developing transport and logistics
connections is crucial for increasing trade turnover between the
two countries.
According to him, there are opportunities to integrate the
Laos-China railway line into broader transport corridors, including
by developing links with Europe and the Caspian Sea region. In this
regard, Baku's position as a key transport hub and port city is of
particular importance.
He also mentioned that the possibility of establishing direct
air links between Azerbaijan and Laos could be considered in the
future.
"The organization of direct flights depends on trade turnover
and existing potential. As trade relations between the two
countries expand, the prospects for establishing direct air links
may also increase," Kanlagna noted.
He added that expanding reciprocal visits, business ties, and
transport capabilities could pave the way for economic cooperation
between Azerbaijan and Laos to reach a new level.
The Azerbaijan-Laos Business Forum is being held in Baku.
Representatives from government agencies and business circles of
both Azerbaijan and Laos are participating in the forum.
Discussions at the event focus on the development of economic and
trade relations, investment opportunities, and the expansion of
business cooperation between the two countries. Presentations on
the investment landscapes of Azerbaijan and Laos are being
delivered, and meetings are being organized to establish business
ties and discuss new opportunities for cooperation.
On October 13, one-on-one and expanded-format meetings took
place in Baku between the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev,
and the President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith.
A "Joint Statement between Azerbaijan and Laos" was adopted, and
a ceremony was held to exchange the documents signed between the
two countries.
The "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of
Agriculture between the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan and
the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Laos" was exchanged
by Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Laos, Shovgi Mehdizade, and the Lao
Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Linkham Douangsavanh.
The "Agreement between the Government of Azerbaijan and the
Government of Laos on the Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements for
Holders of Service Passports" was exchanged by Azerbaijan's Foreign
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and the Lao Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thongsavanh Phomvihane.
