Laos President Thongloun visits Asia-Potash's potash fertilizer base to support company development
On January 16, 2025, H.E. Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, inspected Asia-Potash’s potash production base in Laos. This was the first state-level visit to a potassium salt enterprise in the country. During the visit, Chairman Guo Bocun joined President Sisoulith via live video to discuss the company’s plan to establish Laos as a global potassium fertilizer production and export hub. Also present were Asia Potash International executives Liu Bingyan (President, Board Secretary, Director), Zheng Youye (Executive Vice President, Director), Liu Yonggang (Senior Vice President), and Zong Guofu (Special Assistant to the Chairman).
At a critical juncture in Laos’ 2025 economic development strategy, H.E. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, led a high-level inter-ministerial delegation to the Asia-Potash. The visit underscores the Government’s commitment to advancing industrial modernization and diversification, specifically by strengthening institutional support for the company’s potash production and its strategic multi-mining industrial expansion. It is intended to accelerate the development of a nationally designated model industrial park, thereby reinforcing Laos’ national goal of sustainable, high-quality economic growth.
Sisoulith and his delegation toured Asia-Potash’s industrial park, visiting the potash production line, finished goods warehouse, bromine facilities in the multi-mining zone, and staff housing for couple staff families. They discussed production, operations, value-chain development, and employee welfare, including housing, healthcare, and community support—with company leaders and frontline workers. In a symbolic act, Sisoulith and Asia-Potash’s management planted a “Tree of Friendship and Hope,” signaling strong support for the park’s growth and Laos’ industrial future.
Following the site tour,Sisoulith reviewed Asia-Potash’s strategic development plans for its potash project, the Asia Potash Industrial Park, and integrated modern agriculture initiatives. He commended the partnership’s tangible outcomes and reaffirmed the Government’s long-standing commitment to the company’s growth. In his remarks, he stated: “The robust collaboration between the Lao Government and Asia-Potash has delivered measurable progress, particularly in establishing potassium fertilizer as a flagship export commodity, strengthening foreign exchange reserves, and advancing regional development in Khammouan Province. The company plays a pivotal role in Laos’ industrial upgrading, food security agenda, and inclusive poverty reduction efforts. As one of Laos’ most globally competitive industries, potash exemplifies our comparative advantage in natural resource–based value addition. We encourage Asia-Potash to further scale up production capacity and deepen local value capture, thereby reinforcing its contribution to national economic resilience and socio-economic advancement.”
During the meeting, PresidentSisoulith praised Asia-Potash’s management for its expertise, strong execution, and strategic vision. He highlighted that the company’s potash facility is technologically advanced, drives local jobs and infrastructure, and delivers consistent growth, thanks to its clear strategy, modern management and ability to deliver results. He said the company’s three priorities“speeding up Laos’ industrialization, expanding modern agriculture, and improving foreign exchange stability”match the government’s national development goals. He instructed all ministries present to record, study, and act on these proposals.
PresidentSisoulith issued key directives:
The Lao Government is updating its investment laws and regulations to attract more foreign investment and boost competitiveness. It will support Asia-Potash with priority policies, such as tax incentives, land access, customs efficiency, and skilled labor, and ensure coordinated action across ministries and provinces. He asked Asia-Potash to submit a clear investment plan with short- and medium-term needs. He also directed the Ministries of Planning and Investment, Finance, and Natural Resources and Environment, plus the Khammouan Provincial Authority, to deliver a concrete support package within 30 days that focused on speeding up projects and strengthening the company’s global position.
More than 70 government officials, including the Director of the Office of the President of Laos, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Deputy Minister of Defense, Deputy Minister of Public Security, as well as the Governor of Khammouan Province and Chairperson of the Provincial People's Congress, accompanied the delegation on this research visit.