Insights into Laos: A Discussion with the Lao Ambassador
Event Description
We are delighted to host an exclusive event featuring H.E. Douangmany Gnotsyoudom, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the United Kingdom. This discussion promises to offer invaluable insights into Laos’ evolving role in the ASEAN community and its broader geopolitical landscape.
The Ambassador will provide an in-depth analysis of the current developments in Laos and their Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024. The discussion will explore how Laos is positioning itself within ASEAN, its approach to regional cooperation, and the opportunities this presents for international collaboration.
In addition to examining Laos’ role within ASEAN, the event will delve into the country’s broader economic landscape, highlighting key sectors and market opportunities. The Ambassador will discuss how businesses can engage with Laos, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, and what potential activities Laos might undertake in Scotland to strengthen bilateral relations.
Key topics:
- Economic outlook and opportunities within Laos markets
- Objectives and achievements of Laos as the 2024 ASEAN Presidency holder
- How businesses can get involved with Laos (and vice versa)
- Sino-Lao relations in the context of Laos’ balanced approach to foreign relations
- Laos’ approach to sustainable food production (with a focus on coffee) and climate change
- Laos as an emerging tourist hub in Southeast Asia
- Laos as a significant hydro electric power supplier for the energy needs of a number of ASEAN countries including Singapore
*Photo ID is required for venue security
Speakers
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Ambassador Douangmany GNOTSYOUDOMAmbassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the United KingdomMr. Douangmany Gnotsyoudom was born in Vientiane, Lao PDR. He holds both an LLB and LL.M. in Public International Law from the Faculty of Law at Leipzig University in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ambassador Gnotsyoudom has held numerous key positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos. Most recently, from 2020 to 2022, he served as the Director-General of the Department of Treaty and Law. Prior to this, he was Deputy Director-General of the Office of the National Boundary Committee (2018-2019) and Deputy Director-General of the Department of Europe and America (2016-2017). His expertise in multilateral treaties was further demonstrated during his tenure as Director of the Multilateral Treaties Division from 2012 to 2015.
Ambassador Gnotsyoudom has also represented his country abroad, including serving as Third Secretary at the Lao Embassy in Berlin, Germany from 2006 to 2009. His extensive background in international law and diplomacy reflects his long-standing commitment to fostering international cooperation on behalf of Laos.
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Thavone SingharajDeputy Head of MissionMr. Thavone Singharaj is a distinguished diplomat with a comprehensive background in international relations, policy research, and diplomacy. He currently serves as the Deputy Head of Mission and Counselor at the Embassy of Laos in London, where he plays a key role in representing Lao interests in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Singharaj earned his Bachelor of Arts from the National University of Laos (1997-2002) and a Master of Arts in International Relations from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan (2008-2010). His diplomatic career has included significant roles such as Director of the Southeast Asian Division in the Asia-Pacific and Africa Department (2020-2023) and First Secretary and Deputy Permanent Representative to ASEAN (2015-2018).
In addition to his diplomatic work, he has contributed to research and education, notably as a Coordinator and Lecturer for the English for Lao Government Officials (EGOs) programme, and has published works on Laos’ diplomatic relations with Russia, China, and Australia.
Hourly Schedule
- 15:00 - 15:30
- Arrival & Refreshments
- 15:30 - 15:35
- Introductions by Host
- 15:35 - 15:50
- Presentation (Ambassador)
- 15:50 - 16:05
- Presentation (Deputy Head of Mission)
- 16:05 - 16:30
- Panel conversation with Moderator
- 16:30 - 17:00
- Audience Q&A
- 17:00 - 17:30
- Networking & Refreshments