PRC, Lao PDR Jointly Developing a Low-carbon Demonstration Zone




An aerial rendering of the SDZ. Photo by the Yunnan Provincial Overseas Investment Co. Ltd.


The Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone (SDZ) is being developed into a low-carbon demonstration model by the Lao-China Joint Venture Investment Co., Ltd. (LCJV). Low carbon demonstration zones hope to address climate change and green and low-carbon transition, and boost regional cooperation with the PRC. 

The SDZ has a total planned investment of around $5 billion. Located in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), it spans an area of 11.5 square kilometers. Development plans include an industrial park and a new green township within the Lao PDR capital. The SDZ will be equipped with solar street lights, new energy vehicles, a comprehensive pipe network buried underground that automatically irrigates with reclaimed water, and portable monitoring equipment.  

The SDZ is one of the 10 low-carbon demonstration zones being developed by the People's Republic of China (PRC) in developing countries. The PRC and Lao PDR signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the construction of low-carbon demonstration zones on 16 July 2020. The LCJV is a joint undertaking of the of the Yunnan Construction Investment Holding Group and the Vientiane Municipal Government.  


Last Updated: 14 May 2021