I recently had the privilege of meeting with H.E. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Laos, for a high-level discussion focussing on strengthening cooperation and economic ties between Laos and the UAE. I also had insightful conversations with other members of his delegation including, importantly, Dr Rithikone Phoummasack, Chairman of AIF Group, one of the country’s largest and most influential business groups.

Our discussion covered multiple areas of potential collaboration with several key opportunities standing out:

Renewable energy: with Laos already a leader in hydropower, UAE companies, particularly Masdar for instance, could explore partnerships in solar energy development establishing large-scale solar farms in rural regions. Energy storage solutions developed in the UAE could also help optimise Laos’ existing hydropower projects improving grid integration and efficiency.

Agriculture and food security: Laos has a strong agricultural sector presenting opportunities for UAE investment in rice production, organic farming and aquaculture. Collaboration in technology and knowledge exchange could enhance productivity while also promoting Laotian agricultural exports to UAE markets.

Financial services: the UAE’s advanced financial sector could support Laos in banking system modernisation, fintech innovation and financial regulation. Creating financial hubs with UAE expertise could further integrate Laos into global capital markets.

Technology and digital transformation: technological partnerships in telecommunications, smart cities, IT infrastructure and digital transformation could significantly strengthen Laos' capabilities. UAE expertise in tech startups, software solutions, and innovation hubs would provide valuable support in this sector.

Following our discussions, we agreed to establish a working group to identify and accelerate specific areas of business collaboration. The opportunities ahead are most promising and I look forward to seeing this partnership deliver tangible benefits for both countries.

Have you been involved in any UAE-ASEAN business collaborations? I would love to learn about your experiences and insights below! ????

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