China-Laos environmental cooperation cuts emissions, brings opportunities to Laos

China will continue to advance South-South cooperation on climate change and deepen practical cooperation with Laos and other developing countries in areas such as green infrastructure, clean energy, and disaster prevention, Tang Ying, spokeswoman for the China International Development Cooperation Agency, said on Tuesday.

At a news briefing, Tang introduced the Vientiane Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone, a green cooperation project between China and Laos.

It is one of the 10 low-carbon demonstration zones that China has established for developing countries and a landmark South-South cooperation project on climate change, she said.

Four years since its inauguration, China has provided the zone with solar-powered lighting equipment, new energy vehicles, and environmental law enforcement vehicles, together with supporting human resources training, according to Tang.

Chinese-made solar street lights now illuminate local roads at night, while Chinese-manufactured energy buses have attracted local passengers, she said.

According to estimates by the environmental authorities, the first batch of new energy equipment delivered by China is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 1,200 tons annually, she said.

At the same time, the project has created local employment opportunities and provided convenience and support for hundreds of enterprises from China and other regional countries to establish and develop their businesses in the demonstration zone, she added.