Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – On October 15, 2025, Ambassador Tsutomu Koizumi, Ambassador Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Lao People's Democratic Republic, visited the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. He was received by Hong Khoi Vinaiven, Director-General of the Government Office of Bokeo Province, and Khamsaw Vilayphong, Director of the Administrative Authority of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, among other leaders.
The Ambassador and his delegation first visited the Golden Pagoda. This pagoda houses artifacts unearthed in 2024 on the banks of the Mekong River in Dong Phong District, Bokeo Province, including several metal Buddha statues from different periods, several ancient Buddha amulets, and fragments of temples and pagodas.
Afterwards, Ambassador Koizumi visited the Golden Triangle International Border Crossing to learn about the special economic zone's urban planning and the goals for building a smart city in the lower Mekong River region. He also visited the Golden Triangle Window on Kapok Island, the Anti-Drug Goddess Statue, and the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone Cultural and Historical Museum. During the border crossing visit, Director-General Hong Khoi Vinaiven suggested to the Ambassador that he promote the special economic zone upon his return to Japan to boost tourism development. Ambassador Koizumi readily agreed, expressing his strong support for building bridges of friendship between nations and reiterating his commitment to providing corresponding support in the future.
Furthermore, Ambassador Koizumi gained a deeper understanding of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone's 18-year development history and inquired about its future development plans. He frankly stated that his visit was prompted by his exposure to the zone's development through the news, and he hoped to conduct on-site inspections and gain a more in-depth understanding. He expressed his full appreciation and affirmation for the zone's current vibrant development.
