Alibaba’s algorithms, Deep Robotics’ quadruped robots, the environmental initiative in Anji, and a desire to learn from the CPC’s development experience

As reported by CCTV+, Lao officials accompanying President Thongloun Sisoulith on his visit to eastern China’s Zhejiang Province have expressed hope for expanding technological cooperation with China and a desire to learn from the country’s development experience.

Thongloun, who is also General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, arrived on Tuesday in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, to begin a five-day state visit to China.

Zhejiang was chosen as the first stop because of its reputation as a hub for high technology and innovation, as well as its achievement of high-quality growth in various sectors.

Upon arrival, Thongloun visited several local tech companies, where he saw advanced AI-based robotic systems designed for industrial, commercial and complex applications. He inspected the intelligent logistics and e-commerce systems of tech giant Alibaba, as well as the quadruped robots and AI technologies of another Hangzhou-based firm, Deep Robotics.

Bounleua Phandanouvong, head of the External Relations Commission of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, said: “It is just amazing, considering the modern technology. We are at the beginning of this cooperation, because, given the potential for cooperation between the two countries, I think we can work together in this field.”

On Wednesday, Thongloun visited the neighbouring Anji County in Huzhou City to learn about local environmental initiatives, including a centre promoting eco-friendly bamboo products and environmental protection. Anji serves as a vivid example of China’s rural revitalisation initiatives.

Somphoun Sichaleun, Lao Ambassador to China, highlighted the people-centred philosophy behind the Chinese Communist Party’s governance approach. Lao officials are eager to learn from China’s development experience: “The CPC is a people’s party, founded by the people and for the people. That is truly important. The people-centred philosophy is very important. So, in formulating our plan to achieve the common goal of socialism in Laos, we have learned many very useful and important examples from China.”

Laos and China have long-standing cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. The visit to Zhejiang – China’s innovation hub – underscores Laos’ desire for technological modernisation.

Laos did not come to Zhejiang for ready-made solutions. It came for understanding. How to connect high technology with ecology? How to make artificial intelligence a tool for development, not a threat? Alibaba and Deep Robotics showed their algorithms and robots. Anji showed how bamboo and clean water can become an economy. Lao officials speak of a “people-centred philosophy”. They want not just to copy technologies, but to understand the approach. The question is not whether they will buy Chinese robots. They will. The question is whether they can build a similar ecosystem where innovation benefits people. While they learn, China shows. And that, perhaps, is the most valuable export.