Virasack Somphong, consul general of Laos in Nanning, takes part in an interview. [Photo by Chen Guanyan/chinanews.com]

With Laos serving as the Country of Honor for the upcoming 17th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), Virasack Somphong, consul general of Laos in Nanning, is optimistic that cooperation between Laos and China will only be enhanced this year.

"The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) will not slow the pace of cooperation between Laos and China," said Somphong during an interview on Nov 10.

He added that the country's leader and entrepreneurs will carry out online communications with the Chinese government and companies to push forward cooperation.

The 17th CAEXPO is scheduled to take place in Guangxi's Nanning by the end of November, with Laos serving as the Country of Honor for the second time after doing so in 2009.

Somphong said that CAEXPO has achieved remarkable outcomes in deepening cooperation in trade and investment, as well as in promoting cultural exchanges and understanding between Laos and China.

China has now become Laos' biggest source of investment and its second largest trade partner. The number of Chinese tourists to Laos in 2019 exceeded one million.

Somphong noted that the digital economy is now growing into a new engine for economic development. "We are looking forward to deepen cooperation with outstanding Chinese companies involved in digital economy," he said.

Somphong added that Laos has launched a series of preferential policies to provide better services for overseas investors.

"We really welcome Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in Laos. The consulate general of Laos in China will organize on-site tours to Laos for Chinese entrepreneurs after the COVID-19 pandemic is resolved," he added.