The first satellite that China exported to an ASEAN country, Lao Sat-1, was officially delivered into orbit on March 16, China News Service reported on Wednesday.

Lao Sat-1 is the first satellite that China developed for Laos, and also the country's first communications satellite.

At present, all technical tests of the satellite have been successfully completed, and the satellite is ready to begin providing service. 

Lao Asia Pacific Satellite Company Ltd., a joint venture between China and Laos, is in charge of commercial operation of the satellite, which will provide satellite communications, satellite television broadcasting, wireless broadband and other services for Laos and neighboring countries. 

Experts believe the satellite is of great significance to the Belt and Road initiative as well as to China's space exploration. 

Lao Sat-1 is one of the most major satellite projects Laos has had since the country was established. The project was initiated in December 2012. On Dec. 21, 2015, China launched the satellite into space using a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan province.