Lao Officials Enhance Legal Knowledge Through Japan Study Visit

A workshop focusing on Japan’s legislative and judicial practices was co-chaired by Mrs. Thoummaly Vongphachan, Chairperson of the Law and Justice Committee, and Ms. Miyako Kobayashi, Chief Representative of JICA Laos. It was attended by LJC vice chairpersons, Standing Committee members, Mr. Takuro Yamashita, Chief Advisor of the JICA Law Project, and project experts and team members. The training focused on strengthening participants’ knowledge and practical understanding of legislative work to support the committee in carrying out its advisory responsibilities to the National Assembly. JICA experts delivered presentations on Japan’s legislative process, legal interpretation and methods of interpretation, as well as the determination of statutory rights and conditions. Participants also discussed the topics and exchanged views and practical experiences related to their responsibilities. Mrs. Thoummaly said the training provided valuable lessons for officials to apply to their work and contribute to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the committee’s operations. The initiative also contributes to strengthening practical cooperation between Laos and Japan, particularly between JICA and the Law and Justice Committee, as part of the two countries’ long-standing friendly relations and comprehensive strategic partnership. Prior to the workshop, on September 18, Mr. Takuro Yamashita handed over a collection of legal reference books to the National Assembly to support legislative research and capacity building. (KPL) The Lao Government’s Ordinary Monthly Meeting for September 2026 concluded on September 23, reviewing the country’s socio-economic performance and key government tasks for October. The National Assembly Standing Committee held its monthly meeting on September 21–22, 2026, reviewing a range of legislative, economic and administrative issues and preparations for the 2nd Ordinary Session of the 10th Legislature. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane led a Lao delegation to the opening of the high-level General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York on September 22, 2026. A high-level delegation of the Communist Party of Belarus, led by First Secretary of the Central Committee Sergei Aleksandrovich Syrankov, is paying an official friendship and working visit to the Lao PDR from September 21–25 at the invitation of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP). A delegation from Champasak Province, led by Dr. Alounxay Sounnalath, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and President of the Provincial People’s Council, paid a working visit to Ubon Ratchathani University (UBU) in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani Province to exchange experiences and explore cooperation in technical and socio-economic development.