Prof. Xing Yaowu, director of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), headed up a 7-person delegation to Lao DPR from March 3-8. The visit aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation in ecological environmental protection and sustainable development.

The XTBG delegation held talks with institutions including the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Lao-China Cooperation Committee, the Lao Culture and Tourism Group Public Company, and the Biotechnology and Ecology Institute (BEI). They also visited Mr. Sommad Pholsena, vice president of the National Assembly of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Afterwards, they made a field visit to the proposed site for the Lao Botanical Garden.

Dr. Chanhthakhone Boualaphanh, deputy minister of Agriculture and Forestry, said that the construction of the Lao Botanical Garden aligns with the national needs of Laos, benefits ecological protection, promotes sustainable development, and is a good deed for future generations. She will provides support for the implementation the project.

“ XTBG will collaborate with the Lao partners to provide technical assistance in site selection, planning, and implementation for the garden,” said Xing Yaowu.

At the Biotechnology and Ecology Institute (BEI), the two sides had a friendly discussion and reached an agreement on supplementary clauses of the cooperation agreement, additions of research areas and directions, as well as the organization and management model of the Lao Office of the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute (SEABRI).

Mr. Sommad Pholsena expressed his full support for enhancing bilateral cooperation, after listening to Xing Yaowu’s report on the key tasks to be carried out in Laos, such as the construction of Lao Botanical Garden, biodiversity inventory survey, and livelihood projects. He hoped that XTBG will support and assist Lao counterparts in applying for and implementing various international projects, contributing to the construction of a community of shared future between China and Laos.

Afterwards, XTBG researchers conducted a field trip to the proposed site of the Lao Botanical Garden in Wanrong County and the Luang Prabang Nature Reserve, where they gathered detailed information about local climate, topography, vegetation, transportation, and water resources. 

Xing Yaowu talks with vice Minister Chanhthakhone Boualaphanh.

At the Office of the Laos-China Cooperation Committee

Mr. Sommad Pholsena, vice president of the National Assembly of Lao, poses a photo with XTBG delegation.

At the Lao Office of the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute (SEABRI)