On 26 May 2026, Ms. Pimwadee Sovaratanapong, Deputy Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated virtually in the opening ceremony of the training course entitled “Border Trade Capacity Development at the Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge Checkpoint (Mukdahan–Savannakhet),” held in Mukdahan Province.

The training was organized as part of the Knowledge Exchange Programme in Trade and Industry between Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). The programme aims to strengthen knowledge and facilitate the exchange of experiences in border trade, trade facilitation, and border economic development between Thailand and the Lao PDR. It is expected to further enhance economic connectivity, trade relations, and local-level cooperation between the two countries in a more effective manner.

A total of 30 Lao participants attended the training, including 10 representatives from central government agencies and 20 representatives from Savannakhet Province. The programme also received valuable cooperation from the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) and representatives from Mukdahan Province, who served as speakers and shared their experiences on border trade management, relevant regulations, and approaches toward sustainable border economic development.

TICA believes that the implementation of this activity will help strengthen the close relations between Thailand and the Lao PDR, while supporting border economic development and enhancing cooperation in trade and industry between the two countries. The programme will also contribute to creating employment and income-generating opportunities for people living in border areas, particularly in the Mukdahan–Savannakhet area, which serves as an important gateway for trade, investment, and transportation connectivity among Thailand, the Lao PDR, and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).