On 28 August 2023, H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) met with H.E. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports of Lao PDR during their attendance to the 2023 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week (CAECW) in Guiyang, Guizhou Province of China.  

During the initial meeting, SG Shi Zhongjun introduced the founding background and working mechanism of the ACC and its role in deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between ASEAN and China. He made further elaboration on the programmes and priorities of the ACC in the areas of higher education and technical and vocational education and training (TVET), Chinese language teaching in ASEAN Member States (AMS), and bilateral academic and youth exchange. He applauded the role of the Lao side in upholding regional cooperation and expressed the ACC’s willingness to work collaboratively with the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports to restore and reinforce educational exchange and cooperation in the region, so as to effectively support the dynamic development in the region. 

Dr. Phout Simmalavong recognized highly the positive role of the ACC in pushing forward the Laos-China community with a shared future as well as the Belt and Road initiative. He especially pointed out the ACC’s contribution in promoting higher and vocational education exchange between Lao PDR and China as well as capacity building for domestic personnel. He expressed appreciation to China-supported programs such as the Lao Railway Vocational Technical College, and willingness of the Ministry for a wider range of cooperation with counterparts in China in areas such as sports and sci-tech.