Philippine Ambassador Deena Joy Amatong participated in a four-day diplomatic tour across the southern provinces of the Lao PDR. The Diplomatic Tour 2024 was led by Turkish Ambassador Orhan Isik, in his capacity as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the Lao PDR.

The tour participants made courtesy calls on Savannakhet Vice Governor Mrs. Lingthong Sengtavanh, Champasak Acting Governor Mr. Som Bouttakoun, and Attapeu Deputy Governor Mr. Thanousay Bunsalith to discuss possible cooperation and partnerships in trade and investment, tourism, and capacity building in agriculture, education, and energy, among others. After the calls in the respective provinces, the participants proceeded to visit economic zones and businesses to identify business and investment opportunities. In line with the Visit Laos Year 2024, the participants also visited villages and cultural sites for a better understanding of the rich tradition and heritage of the Lao PDR and to promote cultural and people-to-people links.

During the call on Attapeu Deputy Governor Thanousay, Ambassador Amatong took the opportunity to highlight the Philippine investment in the province’s renewable energy sector and expressed optimism in further prospects for trade, investment, and other areas of cooperation. For Ambassador Amatong, one highlight of the whole visit was the tour of the Paksong Highland Coffee Estate and Agro Vege Farm where she learned about unique ways and features of the coffee production, and organic farming and hydroponics in the Bolaven Plateau.