Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Lao government is actively engaging with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to secure cheaper fuel supplies and further expand cooperation in trade, investment, and renewable energy.
According to the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce, this proposal was put forward by Deputy Minister Manothong Vongsay during a recent meeting in Vientiane with UAE Ambassador to Laos Bader Abdullah Al Matrooshi. Currently, rising global fuel prices are putting pressure on the Lao economy, and Manothong has therefore requested the UAE to consider providing fuel at preferential prices to help alleviate Laos' domestic fuel shortage and enhance the stability of its energy market.
Currently, Laos mainly imports fuel from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. According to foreign trade data published on the Ministry of Industry and Commerce website, from January to June this year, the Lao government spent over US$557 million on diesel alone. Although the potential terms of fuel cooperation have not yet been disclosed, both countries have expressed a willingness to lay a more solid foundation for long-term energy cooperation.
Manothong also invited UAE investors to explore business opportunities in Laos, stating that closer economic ties would lead to mutual benefit and win-win outcomes for both countries. He also encouraged more high-level exchanges between the two governments and private sector representatives to enhance mutual understanding and create favorable conditions for further cooperation.
Trade between Laos and the UAE has shown steady growth in recent years. From 2020 to 2024, the total trade volume between the two countries exceeded US$96 million. Of this, Laos exported US$26 million worth of goods to the UAE, covering chemicals, paper, tobacco, and clothing; while Laos imported US$69 million worth of products from the UAE, mainly including books and newspapers, plastic products, animal feed, crude oil, lubricants, engine oils and greases, machinery and equipment, and synthetic fibers.
During the talks, the delegations of both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to renewable energy development and agreed to advance the signing of a memorandum of understanding on renewable energy cooperation. The proposed agreement will cover seven key areas, including sharing technical expertise, capacity building, developing new energy sources, and supporting Laos in implementing energy efficiency and conservation measures. Both delegations expressed their hope that this partnership would pave the way for a cleaner, more resilient energy future, while further strengthening bilateral diplomatic and economic ties.
