AGP Executive Report

China-Laos Security & Military Cooperation: The “Peace Train-2026” humanitarian medical rescue exercise opened in Vientiane, with over 700 personnel from both sides and a 17-day program aimed at disaster response and joint logistics/medical support. Law Enforcement: China’s public security minister met Laos’ party and public security leadership in Beijing, pledging deeper cooperation against telecom fraud, online gambling, drugs, fugitives, and illicit asset recovery—especially along the Laos-China Railway. Humanitarian & Disaster Response: SEADRIF released an additional $1.1m payout for Laos flooding, bringing current disbursements to $2.3m, while Luang Namtha flooding (Aug 29–31) caused damage estimated at over 4.195 trillion kip. Cluster Munitions: Laos says it is fully prepared to host the Third Review Conference under the Cluster Munitions Convention, with key outcome documents nearing final stages. Diplomacy: Laos and Cambodia launched a logo marking 70 years of diplomatic relations, to be used in official commemorations throughout 2026. Economy & Tourism: Luang Prabang’s economy grew 3.9% in H1 2026, boosted by services and the Laos-China Railway, even as international tourist arrivals fell sharply; Laos also reiterated its 2030 tourism target of 22 million visitors. Party & Training: A Lao delegation joined Vietnam’s national politics academy for the new academic year, with emphasis on translating party resolutions into action plans.

Flood Response Funding: SEADRIF Insurance released an additional $1.1m for Laos after heavy rain affected 375,000+ people, splitting payouts between the Lao government and the UN World Food Programme; total flood disbursements for 2026 now reach $2.3m, with payments triggered in stages as official impact numbers cross agreed thresholds. Disaster Risk Watch: Laos’ meteorology agency warned of more rain this week, with risks of flash floods, landslides, and urban waterlogging, including in parts of Vientiane and central/southern provinces. Military Medical Cooperation: Laos and China opened the “Peace Train 2026” joint exercise in Vientiane, focusing on humanitarian assistance and medical services over 16 days, with Lao military hospitals and Attapeu included. Foreign Affairs & UNDP: Deputy Foreign Minister Anoupharb Vongnorkeo received credentials from the new UNDP Resident Representative, highlighting UNDP support for Laos’ development plans and LDC graduation. Governance & Capacity Building: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched its first short inspection-work training course in Vientiane for ministry personnel. Cybercrime Crackdown: Vientiane police dismantled four cybercrime/online gambling operations, detaining 100+ suspects and seizing phones and computers, including cases involving ketamine and other narcotics. Trade & Agriculture: Lao chili producers secured concrete commitments at a FAO co-chaired business matching event in Vientiane, including plans for a traceability system and support for SMEs. Regional Leadership: Laos was named on the governing bureau for the LLDCs group, as Turkmenistan elected chair for 2027–2028, with priorities including energy and transport connectivity.

Trade & Agriculture: A FAO-supported business matching event in Vientiane helped Lao chili producers secure concrete trade and investment commitments, including two Letters of Interest linking Lao producer groups with verified buyers and investors from China and South Korea, with plans for a traceability system and support for SME and green-finance mechanisms. Gold Sector Push: Laos opened Lao Gold Festival 2026 in Vientiane under “Lao Gold to Global Gold,” with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone attending; organizers say the event is meant to connect Lao gold standards and market players to international buyers and investment. Foreign Ministry Oversight Capacity: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched its first short training course on inspection work, bringing 37 participants to strengthen how inspection teams apply Party guidance and improve leadership and management effectiveness. China–Laos Military Medical Cooperation: A Chinese medical team arrived in Vientiane for the “Peace Train-2026” joint humanitarian medical rescue exercise, set to run for 17 days alongside Lao People’s Army medical support. Regional Security/Police Cooperation: China’s public security chief met Lao counterparts in Beijing, pledging deeper cooperation on telecom fraud, online gambling, drug control, and border security, including support for the China–Laos Railway. Diplomacy & Development Links: Laos and Kazakhstan reaffirmed plans to expand cooperation across trade, transport, energy, education, and digital development during talks in Astana. Sports (Domestic Spotlight): Laos hosted Australia in AFC U20 qualifying, where Australia beat the hosts 2-0; the CommBank Young Socceroos later failed to qualify after a 2-0 loss to Indonesia, finishing third in their group.

Laos–China Security Cooperation: China’s top public security minister met Lao Minister of Public Security Vanthong Kongmany in Beijing, pledging deeper joint work against online gambling, telecom fraud, drug control, and border security, and to intensify security cooperation on the China–Laos Railway. Cybercrime Crackdown (International Context): Separate reporting highlights Laos’ broader push against cybercrime, including large-scale arrests of suspected scam operators earlier in 2026, underscoring how regional law-enforcement coordination is becoming a key political priority. Gold Sector Push: Laos opened the Lao Gold Festival 2026 in Vientiane, with the PM presiding, as the Lao Bullion Bank positions the country toward ASEAN gold-trading standards and a more transparent, internationally connected market. Education Reform Agenda: Laos’ PM called for substantive education reform in the 2026–2027 school year, urging schools to become safer, more humane learning environments and to shift management and teaching toward learners’ needs. Regional Diplomacy via Multilateral Forums: Laos was elected to the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries bureau (2027–2028), reflecting continued diplomatic engagement beyond the region.

Education Reform Push: PM Le Minh Hung urged “substantive” education changes for the 2026–2027 school year, calling for better teaching methods and safer, more humane learning environments. World Heritage & Culture Policy: Laos moved Vat Phou Champasak back under state management after a concession expiry, while UN-backed cultural planning also gained momentum as Vietnam-led efforts secured an International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development (2027–2036) with Laos in the core group. Gold Sector Drive: Laos opened the Lao Gold Festival 2026 in Vientiane, aiming to lift standards and position the country as a more trusted regional gold hub. Cybercrime Crackdown: Laos reported large-scale arrests of cybercrime suspects in Vientiane, underscoring tighter enforcement against scam networks. Regional Diplomacy & Security: Laos engaged in wider SCO-related diplomacy and multilateral cooperation, while regional military drills and disaster-response exercises highlighted ongoing cross-border coordination.

SCO Diplomacy: Xi Jinping told the SCO summit in Bishkek that the “trend toward a multipolar world is irreversible,” as leaders including India’s PM Modi and Russia’s Putin met in the region’s top security forum. Bilateral Politics: PM Le Minh Hung met Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in a push to move ties to a “new phase,” with Vietnam backing stability, reconciliation and economic development. Disaster Response & Security: China and Laos will hold a joint “Peace Train” humanitarian medical rescue drill in Laos this September, focusing on search-and-rescue, evacuation, epidemic prevention and support for Lao military and civilians. Education Reform: Laos is urging substantive education changes for the 2026–2027 school year, with PM Le Minh Hung calling for management and teaching method reforms that put learners at the center. Economy & Trade: Laos opened the Lao Gold Festival 2026 in Vientiane, aiming to standardize the sector and position Laos as a regional gold trading hub for ASEAN. Governance & Law Enforcement: Laos is also tightening the fight against online scams, with reports of major cybercrime arrests in Vientiane and a district crackdown on scam accommodation. Regional Connectivity: Laos and Vietnam are pushing stronger agricultural investment and cooperation to boost production and food security.

Laos–Kazakhstan Diplomacy: President Thongloun Sisoulith arrived in Kazakhstan and held narrow and extended talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, with leaders adopting a joint statement and signing documents including twin-city ties between Astana and Vientiane; prosecutors also signed an asset-recovery cooperation memo. Regional Security & Disaster Response: China and Laos will run a “Peace Train-2026” humanitarian medical rescue exercise in Laos, simulating response to a super typhoon with joint search-and-rescue, evacuation, epidemic prevention and psychological support. Cross-Border Governance & Public Services: Laos and Vietnam pushed deeper agricultural cooperation, focusing on attracting Vietnamese investment, fixing problems faced by existing enterprises, and preparing an agriculture investment promotion conference. Education Policy: PM Le Minh Hung called for substantive education reform for the 2026–2027 school year, urging changes in management mindset and teaching methods, with schools as safe, humane learning spaces. Anti-Scam Enforcement (Regional): The US Treasury’s FinCEN linked about $12.7B in suspicious activity to crypto investment scams tied to overseas scam compounds, including in Cambodia and Laos.

Korea-Labor Safety: Korea’s labor officials are sending a delegation to Ulaanbaatar to pre-train Mongolian workers for factory safety before they fly, linking departure instruction with arrival orientation to cut workplace accidents. China-Laos Disaster Response: China and Laos will run “Peace Train-2026,” a joint humanitarian medical rescue drill in Laos simulating a super typhoon response, including search-and-rescue, evacuation, disease prevention, and psychological support. Agriculture Investment Push: Laos and Vietnam are stepping up agricultural cooperation, with talks focused on attracting Vietnamese investment, fixing problems facing existing enterprises, and preparing an agriculture investment promotion conference. NUOL Honors Leaders: The National University of Laos awarded non-regular academic titles and honorary doctorates to six figures for contributions across development, education, public administration, environment, and social work. Laos-Kazakhstan Ties: President Thongloun Sisoulith’s Kazakhstan visit produced a joint statement, twin-city plans for Astana-Vientiane, and a prosecutors’ memorandum on asset recovery and illicit funds tracking. ASEAN Labor Cooperation: Laos reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN labor cooperation in Bangkok, aiming to strengthen decent work, worker rights, labor migration management, and skills recognition. Cross-border Transport: Thailand’s BKS will start a new daily bus route from Udon Thani airport to Vientiane on Sept 9, improving Lao-bound travel links. Cybercrime Warning: South Korean travel advisories were adjusted, but special alerts for areas bordering Laos and Myanmar remain due to job-scam risks.

Laos–Kazakhstan Diplomacy: President Thongloun Sisoulith arrived in Astana and held narrow and extended talks with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, culminating in a Joint Statement and signed documents including a twin-city deal between Astana and Vientiane; Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov also discussed turning agreements into projects, with Kazakhstan positioning itself as a trade and logistics bridge for Lao products across Central Asia and Eurasia. Asset Recovery Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Laos’ general prosecutors signed a memorandum to strengthen cooperation on tracking, recovering, and repatriating illicit funds, including information-sharing and joint support in criminal cases. ASEAN Labour Focus: Laos reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN labour cooperation at the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting in Bangkok, backing work on skills certification, labour standards, labour inspection, and safe migration. Vat Phou Management Shift: Laos took full management and conservation responsibility for the Vat Phou Champasak World Heritage Site from Sept 1 after a concession expired, with ticketing and visitor services continuing and plans for cleanliness and facilities improvements. Cross-border Health Demand: More Lao patients are seeking advanced care at a China-Laos border hospital in Yunnan, with services expanding beyond emergencies into chronic and maternal health. Regional Security Training (Context): Indonesia’s Super Garuda Shield 2026 included multinational night-flight and medevac drills, underscoring wider defence diplomacy in the region.

SCO Diplomacy: President Thongloun Sisoulith wrapped a high-profile Kazakhstan visit in Astana, calling it a historic milestone and signing multiple cooperation MoUs, including political consultations, prosecutor-to-prosecutor ties, and ICT/e-government cooperation, alongside plans for Astana–Vientiane twin-city relations. Bilateral Trade & Connectivity: Kazakhstan’s Tokayev said Laos is a key Southeast Asian partner and urged faster transport and logistics links, with both sides highlighting agriculture, digitalization, tourism, and energy as priority areas. Fuel Policy: Laos announced a nationwide fuel price adjustment effective 6:00 AM Sept 3, with premium gasoline rising to 38,170 LAK/liter (+790), regular to 32,100 (+660), and diesel to 31,840 (+20). Anti-Scam Crackdown: Thoulakhom District in Vientiane ordered accommodation and service providers not to support people involved in internet crimes, online gambling, or scams, citing PM Order 32/PM and a July 2026 Public Security notice. Cybercrime Transfers: Laos handed over 34 Thai nationals at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge as part of the ST Vegas cybercrime case, bringing total Thai transfers to 366, with seven still in Lao custody. Flood Relief Appeal: Luang Namtha urged donations after flash floods damaged homes and farmland, joining similar appeals from other flood-hit provinces.

SCO Diplomacy: President Thongloun Sisoulith arrived in Kazakhstan for a Sept. 3-4 official visit, with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcoming him in Astana; both sides framed the trip as a boost to bilateral ties and broader regional cooperation. Fuel Prices: Laos announced a nationwide fuel price adjustment effective Sept. 3, with premium gasoline up to 38,170 kip/liter (+790) and regular gasoline 32,100 kip/liter (+660), while diesel rose slightly. Anti-Scam Crackdown: Thoulakhom District in Vientiane ordered accommodation and service providers not to support people involved in internet crimes, online gambling, and scams, citing PM and public security directives. Cybercrime Transfers: Laos handed over 34 Thai nationals at the 1st Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge as part of the ST Vegas cybercrime case; authorities say 366 Thai suspects have been transferred so far, with seven still in Lao custody. Disaster Response: Deputy PM and Defence Minister Khamlieng Outhakaysone inspected flood relief in Oudomxay, with 300 million kip in cash and supplies plus additional contributions reported. Health Training: Friendship Hospital launched a four-month kidney disease nursing and treatment training course with the Lao Nephrology Society, targeting hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis care. International Links: India’s embassy in Vientiane hosted a reception for India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, highlighting ITEC and ICCR alumni ties with Laos.

SCO Diplomacy: President Thongloun Sisoulith attended the SCO Plus meeting in Bishkek and marked Laos’ first participation as an official Dialogue Partner, pushing four cooperation priorities—agriculture/food security, digital transformation, transport & connectivity, and banking/finance—while meeting Indian PM Narendra Modi and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov. Disaster Response & Finance: SEADRIF paid Laos and the UN WFP US$1.1375m after monsoon flooding affected 260,000+ people, triggered by the #PEOPLE mechanism tied to the national disaster reporting threshold. Flood Relief Oversight: Deputy PM and Defence Minister Khamlieng Outhakaysone inspected Oudomxay flood recovery, delivering 933m kip in cash and supplies plus additional business and ministry support. Health & Military Logistics: 103 Hospital and Tahua International Trade signed an agreement to develop extracorporeal lithotripsy technology in Vientiane, with a ribbon-cutting for the new lithotripsy room. Humanitarian Outreach: Lao Red Cross President Khamlavanh Chanthalavanh met Thailand’s ambassador to discuss further bilateral cooperation. Cybercrime: Laos reported arrests of at least 6,200 cybercrime suspects in the first eight months of 2026.

SCO+ Diplomacy: President Thongloun Sisoulith led Laos’ first participation as an official SCO Dialogue Partner at the Bishkek SCO Plus meeting, reaffirming support for multilateralism and proposing four cooperation priorities: agriculture/food security, digital transformation, transport connectivity, and banking/finance. Disaster Finance: SEADRIF paid US$1.1375m to Laos and the UN WFP after monsoon flooding affected 260,000+ people, using the aligned “#PEOPLE” government-reported trigger to activate both sovereign and humanitarian payouts. Climate-Energy Education: A China-aided “zero-carbon library” opened in Luang Prabang, combining solar power, energy storage, and charging facilities for students. Cybercrime Crackdown: Laos reported arrests of at least 6,200 cybercrime suspects in the first eight months of 2026, as security agencies intensify enforcement. International Outreach: Laos’ ambassador in Stockholm, Bounthavy Vilavong, was accredited as non-resident ambassador to Latvia, expanding Nordic and Baltic diplomatic coverage.

SCO+ Diplomacy: President Thongloun Sisoulith arrived in Bishkek for the SCO Plus summit, where Laos is participating as an official dialogue partner for the first time, and met SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev to push practical cooperation in trade, agriculture, connectivity, and digital transformation. Regional Security Agenda: At the SCO summit, India’s PM Narendra Modi urged SCO members to back dialogue over conflict escalation and called for “zero tolerance” of terrorism, including dismantling financing, recruitment, radicalisation, and safe havens. Bilateral Outreach: Modi also held sideline talks with President Sisoulith on boosting India–Laos linkages, while Laos leaders sent congratulations to Vietnam on its National Day. Domestic Governance: PM Sonexay Siphandone called for stronger education quality efforts as the 2026–2027 school year begins, and Vientiane traffic police deployed officers at 127 locations to improve road safety around schools. Economic & Industry: LNCCI announced the Made in Laos Exhibition 2026 (Oct 3–11) featuring 160 companies across 17 provinces, aiming to back SMEs and expand market access.

SCO+ Diplomacy: Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith arrived in Bishkek for the SCO Plus summit and, after Laos’ new SCO Dialogue Partner status, met SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev to outline four priority cooperation areas: trade/investment/manufacturing, agriculture and food security, connectivity and trade facilitation, and digital transformation and skills. Regional Security: On the sidelines, India’s PM Modi used the SCO platform to call for dismantling the “entire ecosystem” of terrorism—financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens—while stressing dialogue over war and pushing an SCO agenda built on security, connectivity and opportunity. Bilateral Outreach: Modi also held separate talks with President Sisoulith and Tajikistan’s Rahmon, focusing on boosting bilateral linkages. Domestic Governance: As the 2026–2027 school year begins, PM Sonexay Siphandone urged stronger action to improve education quality, tackle teacher shortages and reduce dropout rates, while Vientiane Capital traffic police deployed officers to 127 school-area points to improve road safety. Infrastructure & Development: China-aided works to upgrade Luang Prabang’s Santiphab Secondary School broke ground, adding new teaching buildings and an indoor sports hall.

Cybercrime Crackdown: A Ministry of Public Security task force arrested 139 people in Vientiane Capital in raids targeting suspected cybercrime and online gambling, detaining 114 at Mangrove Hotel and 25 at Glory Apartment, with dozens of devices seized and investigations expanding to identify alleged ringleaders. Flood Response: Lao Brewery delivered more than 600 million kip in relief supplies to flood-affected families across seven provinces, including drinking water packs and soft drinks, as monsoon flooding damaged communities and infrastructure. Education Update: Vientiane Capital officially opened the 2026–2027 academic year on Aug 31, with classes starting Sept 1; authorities highlighted teacher allocation, facility upgrades, and a push for smart classrooms and ICT. Party & Governance: The 1st Congress of the Party Cell of the Committee for Investment Promotion and Management (CIPM) opened Aug 31, adopting a political report and a five-year investment sector development programme. Economy Watch: Laos inflation hit 7.7% in August, with the biggest pressure from housing, utilities, and cooking fuel, while education and healthcare costs also rose. International Engagement: President Thongloun Sisoulith met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek during the SCO Plus and World Nomad Games events, underscoring renewed bilateral ties.