On September 10, 2026, on the sidelines of the 28th China Mining Conference and Exhibition 2026, Cheng Liwei, President of the China Mining Association (CMA), met with Malaythong Kommasith, Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC), Lao People’s Democratic Republic.The two sides held cordial talks focusing on mining‑sector cooperation and related issues.

President Cheng Liwei welcomed Minister Kommasith’s participation in the China Mining conference. He noted that the China Mining Association has over 2,000 member entities and is dedicated to building an international exchange and cooperation platform for the mining industry. By organizing delegations of Chinese enterprises for overseas study and training programmes, the Association helps its members gain in-depth understanding of mining development conditions and investment rules across jurisdictions. It also actively supports members in exploring overseas markets and properly resolving operational disputes, providing solid support for Chinese mining enterprises going global. President Cheng pointed out that Laos and China have similar geological structures and distinctive mineral resource endowments, which create broad space and huge potential for bilateral cooperation. He expressed readiness to organize interested Chinese-funded enterprises to conduct training and exchange activities in Laos to boost the development of Laos’ mining sector.

Minister Kommasith thanked the hosts for the invitation to the 2026 China Mining Conference and Exhibition and congratulated the Conference on its full success. He said Laos enjoys broad prospects for mining-sector development and has much to learn from China. He fully endorsed the conference theme “Win-win Cooperation, Green and Intelligent Development." He asked questions about how Chinese mining enterprises can join the China Mining Association and the member services it provides, and spoke highly of the Association’s practices. He commented that the practical experience of the China Mining Association offers valuable reference for Laos’ mining industry. He extended a sincere invitation to President Cheng Liwei to visit Laos to further deepen bilateral mining-sector exchanges and cooperation.

Both sides agreed to take this meeting as an opportunity to maintain communication and jointly pursue new progress in China-Laos mining-sector cooperation.