Thailand and Laos aim for US$11 billion in bilateral trade by 2027
The neighbours agreed to improve border infrastructure and logistics, coordinate digital policies and support regional energy links.
Thailand and Laos agreed on a US$11 billion bilateral trade goal for 2027 at talks in Luang Prabang, with transport improvements and closer policy coordination intended to help reach the target.
The 23rd Meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation was jointly chaired by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and his Lao counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane.
Measures agreed by the two sides include making border logistics more efficient, improving checkpoints, bridges and roads, and coordinating policies for the digital economy. Both countries said expanded transport corridors could connect Southeast Asian supply chains to trade routes reaching China, Central Asia and Europe.
The discussions also covered closer clean-energy integration and backing for the ASEAN Power Grid. The governments pledged stronger border security cooperation against drug smuggling, human trafficking and online scam networks, alongside joint management of water resources and efforts to reduce cross-border haze through the Clear Sky Strategy.
A separate tourism goal envisages 3 million visitors each year, supported by local cooperation including the sister-city partnership linking Nan province with Luang Prabang. Sihasak inspected work on the Chiang Man–Luang Prabang Bridge, which is expected to connect Nan directly with the UNESCO World Heritage town.
