Explore past headlines, AI summaries and source reporting. Full articles follow the FREE and PRO access rules.
Page 3
Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, President of the Lao Front for National Development (LFND), met with a Chinese Buddhist delegation to affirm cooperation in promoting Buddhism, cultural exchange, and humanitarian activities, reinforcing the Laos-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Lao authorities have destroyed over 44.5 tonnes of seized drugs and manufacturing chemicals, including vast quantities of methamphetamine pills. Police are warning of the spread of new substances like ketamine and kratom drinks appearing in establishments, raising alarm.
Laos' leading commercial bank, BCEL, has won the 'Technology Innovation of the Year' at the Asian Innovation Excellence Awards 2026. This achievement marks a significant step for Laos' digital finance sector, underscoring the importance of digital transformation for economic growth and national development.
The Lao government is enhancing public-private partnerships to establish a carbon credit market, develop voluntary greenhouse gas reduction standards, and implement related projects focused on wetland preservation and fuelwood reduction. This initiative aims to balance environmental protection with sustainable economic development.
The Australian Government has donated over 103,500 vaccine doses, including pneumococcal conjugate and human papillomavirus vaccines, to Laos through UNICEF. This initiative aims to strengthen the country's national immunization program and address future health challenges.
Australian Ambassador Jones met with Lao Front for National Construction (LFND) President Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, acknowledging the progress in bilateral relations and the LFND's domestic role. She reaffirmed Australia's commitment to Laos' long-term development through education and human resource development.
The Lao government has issued a directive banning the production, sale, and advertising of decorative items made from Kip banknotes, such as money bouquets. The measure aims to prevent damage to currency and uphold its dignity, with penalties for violators.
Vietnam will host Vietnam Digital Week 2026 in late October, aiming to deepen international cooperation on AI governance and strategic digital technologies. Laos, within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative and its relations with Vietnam, needs to closely monitor this development.
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city in Laos, has received the "Outstanding International Friendship City Award" at a conference in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Selected from over 3,000 sister-city partnerships established by China, this recognition highlights Luang Prabang's contributions to cultural heritage conservation and international exchange. The award is expected to boost the city's global profile and foster further cooperation in tourism, culture, and socio-economic development.
The Lao Government and the United Nations have officially endorsed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2027–2031, a five-year plan valued at US$510 million. This framework aligns with Laos' national development plans and focuses on three strategic pillars: improving people's well-being, strengthening governance, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Experts from Laos and Vietnam reviewed development cooperation in Vientiane, noting the capital's continued economic expansion despite falling short of growth targets. Vietnamese assistance, focusing on education and infrastructure, underscores deepening bilateral ties.
Hiem Phommachan has been appointed as the new president of the Laos-Thailand Friendship Association. A review of the past five years highlighted achievements in fostering friendly relations, cultural exchange, and infrastructure support between the two nations. The new leadership aims to further strengthen the strategic partnership.
Laos has mobilized over 1,000 security and traffic management personnel for the annual Ork Phansa festival and boat racing in the capital, Vientiane. The focus is on maintaining security and ensuring smooth traffic flow for a safe event, reflecting Laos's approach to balancing domestic stability with international engagement.
Laos and Cambodia celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations by adopting a Joint Tourism Action Plan to enhance cooperation in the sector. The initiative aims to deepen people-to-people exchanges and boost investment through projects like developing an ancient heritage route connecting World Heritage sites.
Lao President Thongloun met with nine newly appointed ambassadors, expressing his confidence in strengthening bilateral and multilateral friendly relations and cooperation. He urged the ambassadors to promote tangible results in trade, investment, and tourism, and encouraged them to visit Laotian provinces. The President also presented credentials to the new Ambassador to Cuba.
Prof. Jina Oh from South Korea's Inje University has been appointed Honorary Professor at the University of Health Sciences in Laos, recognizing her contributions to healthcare education and nursing training. This appointment highlights the cooperative efforts between the two nations, aiming to foster self-reliance in Lao nursing education and establish a sustainable cooperation model.
Lao Telecommunications Group showcased digital technologies and services at Lao Digital Week 2026, focusing on the AI era. The event attracted significant interest from government leaders and citizens, emphasizing the importance of digital governance and workforce development.
The Lao government and the United Nations have endorsed a five-year cooperation framework worth approximately $510 million for 2027-2031, focusing on improving people's well-being, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening governance.
A JICA-supported project has significantly improved mathematics learning outcomes in Lao primary schools, with demonstration schools showing over a six-fold increase in scores. A new cooperation phase, "iTEAM3," has been announced to build on these successes.
The Lao government convened its monthly meeting in October, identifying socio-economic development, poverty reduction, and digital transformation as national priorities. Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith urged officials to provide practical, focused comments to resolve issues and improve policy implementation.
The Lao government and UNICEF are strengthening their partnership to support the healthy development of children, particularly during the critical first 1,000 days. Despite progress in nutrition, challenges remain, with a focus on enhancing support through policy and budget allocation.
The National Assembly of Laos concluded its second ordinary session of the 10th Legislature, approving socio-economic development plans, state budget, and monetary plans for 2026-2027. Eight draft laws were passed, alongside reports from oversight bodies. Leadership changes were also made.
Thai mobile operator AIS plans to invest USD 43.35 million in Lao Telecom, securing an indirect 24.01% stake. This move signals growing foreign investment in Laos' telecommunications sector and its ongoing digital expansion.
Laos is launching a USD 5 million project to streamline border checks and reduce paperwork, preparing businesses for the loss of trade preferences upon graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. The initiative aims to improve market access and maintain competitiveness.
Mekong River water levels in Laos have reached their lowest in a decade, severely impacting agriculture, fisheries, and river transport. Dam construction by China and climate change are cited as primary causes for the decline.
A senior Vietnamese Communist Party official met with a delegation from the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union, emphasizing the importance of the "special relationship" between the two nations. Both sides agreed to expand youth exchanges and strengthen cooperation ahead of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2027.
The Lao-German Technical College has officially inaugurated its Campus 2 with a signboard installation ceremony. This expansion aims to enhance its heavy machinery and agricultural machinery programs, fostering skilled labor to meet the demands of the Lao labor market.
The Lao PDR has expressed support for China's Global Governance Initiative (GGI), aligning with its foreign policy principles of sovereign equality and multilateralism. This reflects Laos' stance as a developing nation seeking greater participation in the international system.
The Industry, Commerce and Energy Institute under Laos' Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in collaboration with Australia's Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) program, has concluded a project aimed at supporting women and persons with disabilities in business. The initiative assessed business challenges, laid the groundwork for more inclusive policies, and enhanced product development and marketing skills.
Laos and China have discussed an economic corridor cooperation plan for 2026-2030. Vientiane explored development goals and cooperation in areas like clean energy and modern agriculture. China remains a key investor, with railway networks enhancing connectivity.
The Lao government plans to accelerate a feasibility study for a proposed oil pipeline linking Laos and Vietnam. The project aims to enhance national fuel security and reduce reliance on road transport, with construction estimated to take two to three years.
Lao Brewery Co., Ltd. (LBC) hosted its "LBC Family Open House – Year 2," inviting employees and their families for an inside look at operations and production. The event, held simultaneously in Vientiane and Pakse, featured tours and recreational activities, fostering understanding of the company's culture and employee contributions.
Laos is strengthening support from South Korea for its first academic teaching hospital, slated to open in 2028. The initiative focuses on hospital management, medical workforce development, and sustainable healthcare services.
The Lao government has launched a new US$4.99 million project, LCTP2, aimed at simplifying business registration, speeding up customs clearance, and improving trade facilitation in preparation for economic challenges following graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Funded by Australia, the project will run from July 2026 to March 2029.
The Lao National Assembly has adopted eight new and amended laws, including a new Deposit Protection Law and revisions to seven existing ones. These laws will take effect after undergoing the formal promulgation process, aiming to address economic and financial difficulties and improve people's livelihoods.
Lao and Vietnamese youth organizations have agreed to strengthen cooperation in four key areas, including friendship education through digital media and expanded exchanges. The agreement aims to pass on the traditional relationship between the two countries to the next generation and support the growth of young people. This is part of Laos's emphasis on its relationship with Vietnam and is expected to contribute to economic development.