On September 4, the first Russia-Laos business dialogue was held in Vladivostok as part of the 10th anniversary Eastern Economic Forum, dedicated to the development of economic ties between Russia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

The event was moderated by Ivan Polyakov, Chairman of the Russia–ASEAN Business Council, and Thanongsinh Kanlagna, Vice President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Laos.

The Lao delegation to the 10th Eastern Economic Forum was headed by Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Sonexay Siphandone, who addressed the participants of the dialogue with a welcoming speech. In his speech, Sonexay Siphandone noted that the key areas of cooperation between Russia and Laos are the promotion of trade relations, energy, tourism, cultural ties and investments. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Russia has provided Laos with support in many areas. Sonexay Siphandone spoke about the Lao government's policy of attracting foreign investment and called on all Russian businessmen to continue exploring all the opportunities and potential available in Laos to increase business cooperation and investment. The Prime Minister stressed that the Russia-Laos business dialogue would significantly contribute to building business ideas, business ties and promote the development of new relations between Laos and Russia.

Irek Fayzullin, Minister of Construction, Housing and Communal Services of the Russian Federation, also addressed the participants of the business dialogue with a welcoming speech. He noted that business dialogue is the most important channel for the direct exchange of information and building specific mutually beneficial projects between our countries, as well as contributing to the development of logistics infrastructure and the banking system.

Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russia, Sholban Kara-ool, spoke about effective interparliamentary cooperation and the established trusting relations between Russia and Laos.

Vanthana Nolintha, Director General of the Investment Promotion Department of the Office of the Prime Minister of Laos, presented a presentation on investment opportunities and prerequisites for the growth of the country's economy.

Vilandeth Vayasomsak, Deputy Managing Director of the Joint Development Bank (JDB), informed the participants of the business dialogue about the possibilities of using the bank's payment systems to make transfers from Russia to other countries. It was also noted that all terminals of the bank currently accept payments with Russian MIR cards.
During her speech, Thipphakone Chanthavongsa, Senior Vice President of the AIF Group, spoke about the possibilities of the financial system of Laos to assist Russian partners. She informed that the AIF Group provides a full range of consulting services in the field of business and investment, accompanying foreign companies at the stages of entering the market, trading and creating successful joint ventures.

Sakhone Philangam, Managing Director of Thanaleng Dry Port, presented the dry port project and spoke about Laos' logistical capabilities for organizing a route from Laos to China and further to Russia and vice versa.

Khamsone Sitthixay, CEO of Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company, informed the participants of the business dialogue about the market of petroleum products in Laos and the possibilities of cooperation in the framework of the import of Russian oil and petroleum products.

Kunlaphan Vongnati, Senior Vice President of Phongsub Group, spoke about the company's field of activity and opportunities for cooperation in the energy, banking and mining sectors.

Pariya Nuanthasing, Managing Director of PTL Holding, informed the participants about the possibilities of cooperation in gold mining and precious metals operations. He invited everyone who is interested in selling, buying, mining or refining gold to cooperate.

Vladimir Padalko, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, thanked the Lao side for its support and assistance in resolving various issues. "We are limited in the information flows that entrepreneurs need to make decisions, and we have agreed to work with the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Laos on this," said Vladimir Padalko.

At the end of the business dialogue, a B2B reception was held for Lao and Russian entrepreneurs.