Lao Deputy Foreign Minister expressed condolences on the passing of the former President of Timor-Leste. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister reaffirmed commitment to strengthening drug control efforts on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. ASEAN and Japan confirmed cooperation in science and technology, while Laos and Thailand jointly inaugurated a special border marker.
Laos reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking, while the ASEAN-Japan Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation convened in Vientiane. The inauguration of a special border marker with Thailand also marked 75 years of diplomatic ties, signaling strengthened regional cooperation.
Laos' Vice President visited mining companies in Khammouane province, encouraging sustainable development and community contributions. The companies highlighted their economic impact and job creation. The Vice President urged for improved environmental standards and export expansion.
On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Laos emphasized the need for stronger national action and international cooperation to combat sophisticated transnational drug networks and the threat of synthetic drugs. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the importance of public participation and sustained commitment.
ASEAN Science and Technology Ministers met in Vientiane, Laos, reaffirming commitments to bolster regional Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) cooperation for sustainable development. Key priorities include addressing challenges like climate change and food security, accelerating digital transformation, and enhancing human capital.
Laos reviewed the implementation of the ASEAN-ROK STI Cooperation Work Plan, exploring new initiatives to support innovation-driven growth, digital transformation, and sustainable development across the region, aligning with ASEAN's regional strategies.
The Lao government announced a nationwide adjustment to retail fuel prices, effective June 25, 2026. Meanwhile, Vientiane Province reported 3.4% GDP growth in the first half of the year, while the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare noted that less than half of undocumented foreign workers have been issued permits.
Laos and Thailand have unveiled a special border marker symbolizing 75 years of diplomatic relations, highlighting their friendship and strategic partnership for growth and sustainable development. The initiative reaffirms decades of successful cooperation.
Laos has reaffirmed its partnership with Japan and ASEAN in science and technology, viewing Japan as a trusted ally. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation under the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) and building a sustainable ASEAN through innovation.
Vice President Mrs. Vienthong visited Khammouane province, urging Party committees and authorities to strengthen political work, promote thrift, combat corruption, and implement Party resolutions. The province reported economic growth in the first half of 2026 but requested central support for infrastructure and trade.
On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Lao government reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing drug control efforts. Concurrently, Laos is fostering scientific and technological cooperation with ASEAN and Japan, alongside strengthening border collaboration with Thailand.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, at a five-year review meeting, urged for greater administrative efficiency, ethical standards among civil servants, poverty reduction, and an independent economy. He also directed local administrations to bolster disaster preparedness and take firm action against illegal mining and logging.
The Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) has warned that Southeast Asia, including Laos, faces a high risk of severe transboundary haze in the latter half of this year, driven by El Niño-induced dry conditions and increased demand for biofuels.
Laos has revised its nationwide fuel retail prices effective June 25, 2026. Diesel has been reduced to 24,560 kip per liter, while regular petrol has increased to 30,690 kip per liter. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce regularly reviews prices based on international market trends.
The Lao government is strengthening economic ties with China, focusing on cooperation in infrastructure development and advanced technologies. This aims to revitalize the domestic economy and enhance international competitiveness, with a particular emphasis on alignment with China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Laos reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation in science, technology, and innovation with China and ASEAN member states during the 13th ASEAN-China Joint Committee meeting. Emphasis was placed on innovation-led growth and sustainable development, highlighting the importance of joint research and technology transfer with China.
The UNFPA and Amari Vientiane have signed a partnership agreement to promote inclusive development and achieve Sustainable Development Goals for youth, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTIQ+ communities in Laos. Initiatives include vocational training and awareness programs at the hotel.
A forum on sustainable agriculture and investment between South Korea and Laos concluded with Memoranda of Understanding, initiating cooperation valued at approximately USD 14 million and strengthening ties in smart farming and export expansion.
Vientiane Capital and Vietnam's Nghe An Province have exchanged experiences in local governance to strengthen the long-standing friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam. Laos is particularly keen on sharing experiences, especially in subdistrict governance, as it advances reforms to its local administrative system.
Vientiane Province, Laos, recorded steady socio-economic growth in the first half of the year, driven by balanced performance across agriculture, industry, and services. Tourism also surpassed targets, with progress in poverty reduction and vocational training.
Lao Deputy Prime Minister met with a delegation from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Laos office, commending JETRO's contributions to promoting bilateral trade and investment. He welcomed the new chief representative and expressed expectations for future economic cooperation expansion.
Xaysomboun Province in northern Laos is accelerating its development priorities for the second half of the year, aiming to enhance food security, boost economic growth, improve infrastructure, and expand education and healthcare. A key focus is poverty reduction, with targets to lift 409 households above the poverty line and remove four villages from the poor community list by year-end.
Savannakhet Province in southern Laos has intensified its crackdown on illegal gold mining and logging, leading to the detention of 21 individuals of Vietnamese, Lao, and Myanmar nationalities. A special committee established by provincial authorities spearheaded the operation following a directive from the Party Central Committee.
The Lao Ministry of Education and Sports and the Australian Embassy convened a conference to strengthen early language and literacy development. The initiative aims to build an inclusive education system, ensuring children who do not speak Lao as their first language can succeed in school.
Security officials from Laos, China, Myanmar, and Thailand convened a joint patrol coordination meeting for the upper Mekong River. They agreed to enhance cooperation on border security, anti-smuggling, and combating human trafficking, aiming to promote regional peace, stability, and shared development.
Laos is stepping up its crackdown on undocumented foreign workers and promoting policy dialogues on sustainable sand and stone mining. While Japan provides HR development support and new export procedures with Cambodia are launched, the Middle East conflict highlights the region's energy supply vulnerability, with Laos identified as particularly at risk.
Laos and Cambodia have agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Notably, the launch of a new transport route for Cambodian agricultural exports to China is expected to boost regional trade.
The Lao government is promoting strengthened cooperation with China in economic and infrastructure development. Infrastructure investment under the Belt and Road Initiative is considered essential for Laos' economic growth and regional integration, though concerns about debt risks to China are also noted.
The Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee held an enlarged meeting to review crucial economic and social development issues. The focus was on ensuring sustainable economic growth, improving social infrastructure, and strengthening international cooperation, confirming the direction for national development.
China Datang, a major state-owned power company, highlighted its focus on advancing clean energy development in Southeast Asia, including Laos, through AI and smart grid technologies. The company aims to enhance the efficiency and reduce costs of power supply via digital innovation.
Laos convened a policy dialogue on sustainable sand mining and river protection, co-chaired by the Vice President of the National Assembly and the British Ambassador. The dialogue emphasized the critical need for efficient and sustainable management of natural resources. Findings from research supported by the UK were presented, aiming for practical application in policy development.
Laos and Cambodia have launched a new framework to facilitate agricultural product exports and transit, aiming to boost bilateral trade, strengthen supply chains, and promote sustainable development in the Mekong region.
Japan has announced the provision of scholarships valued at US$3.2 million to support human resource development in Laos. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders, addressing Laos' economic challenges and regional dynamics.
Laos and Cambodia have deepened their agricultural cooperation and launched a new cross-border trade corridor. This initiative aims to foster business exchanges, attract investment, and strengthen regional supply chains between the two nations. Notably, it will facilitate the export of Cambodian agricultural products to the Chinese market via Laos, and vice versa for Lao products to Cambodia.
Laos faces deepening economic risks due to the Middle East crisis, which is driving up energy prices and disrupting supply chains. An expert advises Laos, with its limited fiscal space, to diversify energy sources and enhance domestic business competitiveness.
Lao journalists visited a museum exploring China's economic development history, from the ancient Silk Road to modern globalization. This observation offers potential insights for Laos as it navigates its economic challenges and its relationships with China and Vietnam.