Africa News 24 Pretoria Bureau
VIENTIANE, Laos – In a landmark move to bolster technological collaboration, China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Laos have officially signed an agreement to establish the China-Laos Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Cooperation Center. This initiative marks the first AI cooperation platform between China and an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member country, aiming to enhance Laos’ AI infrastructure and stimulate sectoral growth.
The signing ceremony, held on February 23 in Vientiane, was attended by prominent officials, including Chen Gang, Party Secretary of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Boviengkham Vongdara, Laos’ Minister of Technology and Communications. The rapid progression from negotiations to formal agreement underscores the strong commitment and efficient collaboration between the two nations in advancing AI initiatives.
This center is poised to serve as a cornerstone for implementing the “AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All,” a strategy proposed by the Chinese government to promote inclusive AI development globally. By focusing on AI technology implementation, digital preservation of ASEAN languages and cultures, and enhancing social welfare through intelligent solutions, the center aspires to foster AI advancements that benefit all of humanity.
More from Africa News 24
China’s South-to-North Water Diversion Project reaches new milestone
Looking ahead, Guangxi plans to leverage this initiative as a model for establishing similar AI innovation cooperation centers with other ASEAN countries. These efforts aim to support ASEAN nations in building autonomous AI frameworks, facilitate cross-border data collaboration, and provide comprehensive talent training programs. Such collaborations are expected to strengthen the digital ecosystem within the region, aligning with the objectives outlined in the “China-ASEAN Joint Statement on Facilitating Cooperation in Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Ecosystem.”
This development signifies a significant stride in China-ASEAN relations, highlighting a shared vision for technological progress and digital integration. By uniting resources and expertise, China and Laos are setting a precedent for future AI collaborations, aiming to drive innovation and economic growth across the region.
