Chinese Embassy in Laos, Bouathep Malaykham, Director of the Department of Energy Safety Management from the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines, and Seumsitthi Soumountha, Deputy Director of the Department of Energy Business. Zhang Jie, Director of the National Institute of International Strategy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, also attended. Representatives from Electricite du Laos Transmission Company Limited, members of the Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce, member units of the Association of Chinese-funded Power Companies, CCCC’s affiliated entities in Laos, Laos Polytechnic College, Pak Ngua School, and mainstream media from both China and Laos were also present at the event.

Speech by Shi Yingtao, Vice Chairman of CWE

During his speech, Shi Yingtao shared significant achievements and practical experiences from CCCC and CWE’s collaborative efforts on the “Belt and Road” initiative over the past twenty years in Laos. He highlighted CWE’s dedication to “continuously deepening core operations, contributing clean electric power, ensuring production safety, and fulfilling corporate responsibilities.” These efforts have driven the improvement of infrastructure connectivity (“hard connectivity”), harmonization of regulatory standards (“soft connectivity”), and enhancement of local community relations (“heart connectivity”). Shi expressed CWE’s commitment to leveraging CCCC’s substantial capabilities to meet the socio-economic development needs of Laos. He emphasized the ongoing deepening of cooperation with the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines among others, actively participating in projects related to clean energy and infrastructure development, thereby contributing to a high-quality “Belt and Road” initiative and further building the China-Laos community of shared future.

Speech by Sinava Souphanouvong, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines of Laos

Deputy Minister Sinava Souphanouvong articulated that China and Laos are a community of shared future characterized by equality, sincere mutual assistance, and familial closeness. He stated that CWE’s core business operations are highly consistent with the areas of responsibility of the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Laos. He praised CWE’s two decades of meticulous dam construction, careful management, and significant contributions to the hydropower sector in Laos. He expressed gratitude for CWE’s efforts and achievements and encouraged CCCC and its subsidiaries to leverage their resource advantages to construct more high-quality projects, thus boosting Laos’ socioeconomic development.

Online speech by Chen Shi, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration

Chen Shi acknowledged CCCC’s high-quality “Belt and Road” cooperation projects which have bridged hearts and brought tangible benefits to local communities. She thanked CCCC and CWE for their robust support, ensuring that the Beijing MW Foundation successfully conducted the “Lancang-Mekong Book House Project” with CWE for three consecutive years. These initiatives include building libraries, donating books, and providing educational supplies to support local education. Moving forward, both parties will deepen cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong region, further aiding the educational growth of young people.

Presentation of Think Tank Report

During the event, representatives from Chinese and Laotian think tanks, including Bouathep Malaykham and Zhang Jie, released the think tank research report titled “Pioneering Innovation, Leading Development, Safety First, and Symbiotic Coexistence—Review and Prospects of CWE’s Projects in Laos”. The report, rich with data and case studies, systematically summarized CWE’s role in “creating brand projects, leading industry development, safeguarding river basin tranquility, and enhancing people-to-people bonds” and offered prospects for crafting a new chapter of high-quality development. Additionally, CWE officially released the “CCCC Sustainability Report in Laos (2013-2023”, showcasing ten years of close collaboration between CCCC and local communities, governments, businesses, and universities in Laos, and illustrating a vision for comprehensive and coordinated sustainable development by Chinese enterprises abroad.  To complement the strengths in “local talent cultivation” and “professional skills practice,” the Nan Lik 1-2 Hydropower Station and the Laos Polytechnic College signed a cooperation agreement to establish a “Hydropower Industry Internship Base” for Laotian students, which included an unveiling ceremony on site.Vilayphone Phommahaxay , President of Laos Polytechnic College, expressed gratitude towards CWE and the Nam Lik Hydropower Station for providing invaluable internship opportunities for the students. He looked forward to a win-win cooperation in student employment, talent training, and the translation of educational outcomes, aiming to cultivate a more qualified and technically proficient workforce for the Laotian hydropower sector.

Hydropower Industry Internship Base Agreement with Laos Polytechnic College

Third “Lancang-Mekong Book House Project”

In conjunction with the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration and the Beijing MW Foundation, CWE launched the third “Lancang-Mekong Book House Project” as a public welfare activity. This marks the third consecutive partnership following the initiatives in 2021 and 2022. This year’s activity was specifically tailored to meet the needs of Pak Ngua School in Laos, with employees from CWE’s headquarters and various countries including the Philippines, Kenya, Ecuador, Guinea, Chile, Kazakhstan, Peru, and Laos participating in charitable donations. A total of 2,380 textbooks were donated, along with essential school supplies such as water purifiers, chairs, and blackboards to enhance the educational facilities. Sithon Inthavong, the Principal of Pak Ngua School, expressed his gratitude towards the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration and CWE for their continuous support and care for the school. He highlighted that the third “Lancang-Mekong Book House Project” has brought the school closer to CWE employees around the world, ensuring that “every student has their own textbook,” which significantly improves the school’s educational conditions and supports the students’ growth and development into skilled individuals.

Live dance performance at Pak Ngua School, Laos

Under the guidance of local employees, the main event venue of CWE Laos hosted a virtual tour of the Nan Lik 1-2 Hydropower Station. Participants gained insights into the power station’s initiatives in green development, flood management, and community collaboration, experiencing vibrant stories from the field. Additionally, students from the Laos Polytechnic College had the opportunity for an on-site visit at the Nan Lik 1-2 Hydropower Station sub-venue, where they expressed enthusiasm about enhancing their professional skills through internships at the station.

This Open Day activity comprehensively showcased CWE’s corporate image, deepening the understanding of and connection to CCCC and CWE among friends in Laos. It also strengthened the company’s ties with various sectors of Laotian society. Moving forward, CWE will continue to uphold its commitment to green development, actively fulfill its social responsibilities, and collaborate with all stakeholders to build a brighter future together.