On January 14, 2026, a delegation led by Ms. Miyako Kobayashi, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Laos, visited the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo Province. The delegation was warmly received by Mr. Khamsavat, Deputy Director of the Administrative Authority of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, and relevant department heads, and a symposium was held.
At the symposium, Mr. Khamsavat provided a detailed introduction to the Special Economic Zone's development background, infrastructure construction, current economic and social development, and future strategic plans. He highlighted several key projects, including an "agricultural tourism integration" development project (in cooperation with professional institutions), the construction of the Suvannakhon Kham Buddha statue at Mount Jinlong, the Benlok Hot Spring water diversion project, the Suvannakhon Kham ancient city ruins protection and reconstruction project, the Mekong River cross-border tourism route, and export-oriented small and medium-sized industrial processing zones targeting the international market, comprehensively showcasing the Special Economic Zone's investment potential and development prospects.
Ms. Kobayashi expressed her gratitude for the warm reception from the Special Economic Zone and highly praised its clean and beautiful environment, thriving development momentum, and good public security. She stated that this visit gave JICA a deeper understanding of the investment value and development potential of the Special Economic Zone, and expressed strong interest in cooperation between the two sides.
During the exchange, Ms. Miyako Kobayashi clearly stated that JICA is willing to conduct in-depth and multi-dimensional cooperation with the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in areas such as trade and investment promotion, modern agricultural development, cultural tourism development, education, medical care, and public health services. She emphasized that both sides can strengthen the sharing of experiences in regional economic and social development, build a long-term, stable, efficient, pragmatic, and mutually beneficial cooperative relationship, and contribute to the high-quality development of the Special Economic Zone.
After the meeting, the JICA delegation visited the International Style Street, the Kapok Star Hotel, and the Benluo Hot Spring Water Diversion Project. They also visited the construction site of the Suwannakongkan Buddha in Jinlong Mountain to learn about the construction progress, industrial layout, and operational plans of key projects, further deepening their understanding of the actual development of the Special Economic Zone. (End)
