On April 23, Chinese delegation led by WPA Secretary General Zhang Qi met informally with Laos’ Minister of Planning and Investments, Khamjane Vongphosy, and engaged in in-depth discussions on the prospects for cooperation in agricultural trade finance, reviving the two countries’ agricultural prosperity.

Zhang Qi began by introducing WPA’s mission and outstanding achievements in promoting worldwide sustainable agriculture development and peasant welfare. He stressed the importance of agriculture in the global economy, particularly in addressing climate change and ensuring food security. Furthermore, Secretary-General Zhang Qi discussed China's experience and practices in agricultural modernization, technical innovation, and green growth, which provided vital insights into Laos' agricultural advancement.

During the discussion, both parties reviewed the prospects for partnership in a variety of areas, including industrial growth, information technology, financial cooperation, and agricultural investment. Zhang Qi stated that WPA is ready to strengthen cooperation with Laos by encouraging comprehensive agricultural partnership between the two countries. He cited WPA’s Global Peasant Forums hosted by WPA in recent years, which not only provide a platform for peasants worldwide to share experiences, but also allow the interchange of agricultural technologies and resources. He also invited Khamjane Vongphosy to the Global Summit on Sustainable Agriculture in Singapore in July and the Third Global Peasant Forum in Cyprus in November to further expand the bilateral cooperation.

Khamjane Vongphosy gladly accepted Mr. Zhang's invitation, praising China's agricultural achievements. He noted that Laos, as an agricultural nation, is devoted to advancing its agricultural development, and China's successful experience surely serves as a helpful reference. He also emphasized Laos' commitment to agricultural cooperation with China, believing that through WPA, peasants in both countries will have more collaboration opportunities and achieve mutual prosperity.

The meeting concluded enthusiastically and smoothly. Both sides engaged in effective exchanges and reached a series of significant agreements. This meeting not only enhanced China and Laos’ longstanding friendship, but also lay the groundwork for future agricultural cooperation. Agricultural cooperation between China and Laos is projected to improve in the future thanks to the efforts of international organizations like WPA. The Director of Vientiane Province’s Agriculture Department, as well as officials from Vientiane City, attended the meeting.