Lao Companies Pledge Nearly 7 Billion Kip for Cluster Munitions Conference

Several Lao companies and financial institutions have provided nearly 7 billion kip (approximately $560,000 USD) in financial and in-kind support for the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (3RC-CCM), scheduled to be held in Vientiane from September 14–18, 2026. The contributions were handed over on September 14 to Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action in the Lao PDR. The largest contributions came from Phongsubthavy Group Sole Co., Ltd. and the Agricultural Promotion Bank, jointly providing 2.3 billion kip. Chaleun Sekong Energy Co., Ltd. followed with over 2.2 billion kip, and VS Advertising Sole Co., Ltd. with over 1.7 billion kip. Other contributors included Lao Telecommunications Public Company (Lao Telecom) with 450 million kip; Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL) with 100 million kip; SMP Consulting Co., Ltd. with 100 million kip; Lao Brewery Co., Ltd. with 80 million kip; and Milaco Coffee Co., Ltd. with 50 million kip. Dao Heuang Group also provided coffee and drinking water valued at over 9 million kip. Mr. Thongsavanh expressed appreciation to the companies and institutions for their support of the international conference hosted by the Lao PDR. He stated that the contributions would be managed and used efficiently to support preparations and other activities related to the 3RC-CCM. The Lao PDR faces significant challenges from unexploded ordnance (UXO), and the implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions is a crucial undertaking. The hosting of this conference marks a critical milestone in translating political commitments into concrete actions. As a one-party state, Laos prioritizes economic development and foreign investment, while maintaining deep ties with Vietnam and China as key pillars of its foreign policy. The domestic corporate support for this conference signals growing national awareness of the pressing issue of UXO clearance and aims to demonstrate cooperation with the international community. In related news, the Government of the People’s Republic of China has provided US$20,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance to support flood-affected communities in northern Laos. To facilitate smooth traffic flow for delegates, traffic police have been deployed at key points in Vientiane. The Lao PDR also recently hosted the 14th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Corridors Forum, focusing on regional economic development. Furthermore, Luang Prabang Power Company Limited has provided medical equipment worth over LAK 800 million to Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital.