On October 17, 2026, Savankhon Rajamountry, chairman of the Lao Journalists Association, attended the 2026 Belt and Road Journalists Forum in Nanjing, China, together with Adita Kittikoun, a major shareholder of Adicake Group.

The forum brought together nearly 100 delegates and media leaders from more than 50 countries, along with other stakeholders from around the world. Under the theme 'Connecting Media Innovation for a Shared Future: Advancing Media Transformation in a Changing World,' participants discussed how the press can adapt to a rapidly shifting global landscape.

Organizers said the gathering aimed to highlight the role of journalism as a bridge of understanding between peoples and as a driver of constructive cooperation at a time of global uncertainty.

Training and Partnerships

The forum launched a training initiative for journalists from Global South countries. The program is designed to strengthen their skills and give developing nations a greater voice in global conversations.

Organizers also awarded certificates admitting media organizations from 10 additional countries into the International Media House Network.

Separately, Xinhua Daily Media Group, one of China's leading news agencies, opened a service and coordination center in Jiangsu province for Belt and Road media. The center is intended to support foreign journalists and encourage the long-term exchange of information.

Bridging Digital Divides

During the discussions, Adita Kittikoun pointed to the gap between Western social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and Chinese platforms, such as WeChat, Douyin and Xiaohongshu (RED).

He proposed using artificial intelligence to overcome language barriers, carrying out joint training programs, and co-producing content across borders. He stressed that trade links and infrastructure alone are not enough; countries also need connected systems so that audiences in different markets can reach one another.