AGP Executive Report

SCO Diplomacy: President Thongloun Sisoulith will attend the SCO Plus Dialogue Summit in Bishkek on Aug 31–Sep 1, followed by an official visit to Kazakhstan (Sep 3–4), as regional leaders line up for the Sep 1 SCO Council meeting. Anti-Scam Crackdown: Laos security forces raided two Vientiane hotels in Hadxayfong on Aug 27, detaining 68 suspects and seizing computers, phones and SIM cards, as authorities expand investigations into online crime and gambling. Cluster Munitions Prep: Laos’ national steering committee held its final review meeting for the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, set for Sep 13–18, with 500+ delegates already registered online and logistics largely completed. Cybercrime Focus: A Lancang-Mekong media dialogue in China pushed for closer cross-border reporting and digital content sharing, including on public health, cross-border tourism and youth development. Bilateral Ties: Vietnam’s PM Le Minh Hung reiterated Vietnam’s top priority is consolidating special solidarity with Laos, pledging closer coordination to remove obstacles for investment and business cooperation. Humanitarian Diplomacy: Laos sent condolences to Nepal after deadly floods in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, and to China’s Xizang after a disaster.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Laos’ Ministry of Public Security raided two Vientiane hotels tied to online crime and gambling, detaining 68 suspects (62 at Grandphook Hotel, 6 at Pani Hotel) and seizing dozens of computers, phones and SIM cards as investigators work to identify organizers. Humanitarian Diplomacy: Laos’ Foreign Affairs Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane sent condolences to Nepal after deadly floods and landslides, pledging support for recovery. Cluster Munitions Prep: Laos’ national steering committee held its final meeting ahead of the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (Sept 13–18), saying 500+ delegates have registered and logistics are ready. Regional Media Cooperation: Lao media officials joined the Lancang-Mekong Media Dialogue in China, pushing joint reporting on shared issues like cross-border tourism, public health and youth development. Local Governance Learning: A Lao delegation studied Thailand’s local administration system, focusing on subdistrict administration, budget and revenue management, and capacity-building. International Engagement: President Thongloun Sisoulith will attend the SCO Plus Dialogue Summit in Bishkek (Aug 31–Sept 1) and then visit Kazakhstan (Sept 3–4).

SCO Plus Diplomacy: President Thongloun Sisoulith will attend the SCO Plus Dialogue Summit in Bishkek (Aug 31–Sep 1) and then visit Kazakhstan (Sep 3–4), signaling Laos’ push to stay engaged in major regional forums. Anti-Corruption Leadership: In Hanoi, Lao State Inspection chief Vanxay Phongsavanh met Vietnam’s President Tô Lâm, underscoring party-to-party cooperation on inspection and anti-corruption. Cybercrime Crackdown: Laos’ Public Security Minister inspected operations against cybercrime and online gambling in Vientiane, where raids led to arrests and seizures of telecom and computing gear, with orders to intensify nationwide suppression. Regional Connectivity & Finance: Vietnam and Laos reviewed cooperation priorities and finance/infrastructure work, while China Eximbank highlighted the Lao Cai–Haiphong railway as a priority corridor. Cluster Munitions/UXO: Laos is fully prepared to host the CCM Third Meeting in Vientiane (Sep 13–18), aiming to mobilize more support for UXO clearance. Tourism Outreach: Laos’ tourism delegation took part in ITE 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, pushing new B2B partnerships and market links. International Condolences: Laos sent condolences to Nepal and China after major disasters, reflecting continued diplomatic engagement. Youth & UNFPA: The Lao Youth Union marked International Youth Day 2026 with UNFPA support, focusing on education, jobs, health, inclusion, and youth participation.

Cybersecurity Crackdown: Laos Public Security Minister Lt. Gen. Vanthong Kongmany inspected cybercrime and online gambling operations in Vientiane’s Sikhottabong District, where authorities arrested two suspects and seized laptops, SIM cards, SIM boxes and related equipment, then ordered evidence to be preserved for legal proceedings. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Laos and the Democratic Republic of the Congo discussed the possibility of establishing official diplomatic relations and future cooperation, including within the Francophonie framework, as Laos reiterated its LDC graduation plans. Trade & Fees: The Ministry of Finance and Public Works and Transport moved to standardize transit freight fee collection at Thanaleng Dry Port and toll collection at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, aiming for more uniform, transparent and law-compliant revenue management. Debt Risk Controls: Laos tightened rules on foreign borrowing, requiring Bank of Laos approval for certain foreign loans and limiting borrowing based on borrowers’ foreign-currency income, with penalties for unauthorized borrowing. Humanitarian Platform: Laos is preparing to host the CCM Third Meeting of States Parties in Vientiane (Sept 13–18) to push UXO clearance support, with Laos stressing it is among the most heavily affected countries. Youth & Society: The Lao Youth Union and UNFPA marked International Youth Day 2026, spotlighting common aspirations for education, jobs, health and participation—especially for young women, girls, rural youth and youth with disabilities.

Cabinet & Lawmaking: Laos’ Cabinet approved 12 draft laws and proposals (including public procurement, alcohol control, civil aviation, cybersecurity and national security) while reviewing inflation (7.6%) and setting September priorities, with instructions to revise drafts before National Assembly review. Border & Migration Enforcement: Laos deported 260 undocumented Myanmar nationals across the Mekong to Shan State after enforcement sweeps in Bokeo, underscoring rising pressure tied to post-coup migration and conscription avoidance. Finance & Governance Aid: Laos and Luxembourg expanded an anti-money laundering and good governance programme by EUR 2.4 million through 2027, aiming to strengthen Laos’ AML/CFT and legal support capacity. Trade & Transport Revenue: The Ministry of Finance held talks to fix inconsistencies in transit freight fees at Thanaleng Dry Port and toll collection at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, pushing for uniform, transparent implementation. Public Security: Ministers inspected evidence from a major illegal wildlife trafficking case in Bolikhamxay, including ivory-like parts and other seized wildlife products, with foreign suspects detained. Diplomacy: Laos and DR Congo discussed establishing official diplomatic relations, including cooperation within the Francophonie framework. Regional Tourism: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam agreed to elevate trilateral tourism cooperation under “One Journey, Three Destinations” via a ministerial mechanism and a 2026-2028 action plan.

Cabinet & Lawmaking: Laos approved 12 draft laws in its Aug. 24–25 Cabinet meeting, covering areas from civil aviation and cybersecurity to health insurance, social security, alcohol control, and a mineral development policy for Phongsaly and Houaphanh, while also reviewing inflation (7.6%) and setting September priorities. Anti-Corruption & Governance: Laos is pushing a new Party resolution to tighten inspection and public accountability, including stronger oversight in land, mining, forestry, public finance and state investment, plus mandatory asset/income declarations and more e-government to cut red tape. Anti-Money Laundering Support: Luxembourg added EUR 2.4 million to a Laos rule-of-law and good-governance programme through 2027, backing AML/CFT reforms and legal capacity after APG/FATF monitoring. Border & Migration Enforcement: Laos deported 260 undocumented Myanmar nationals across the Mekong to Shan State after sweeps in Bokeo, amid rising migration pressure linked to post-coup conditions and conscription. Public Security: In Bolikhamxay, Public Security Minister Vanthong Kongmany and other ministers inspected evidence from a major illegal wildlife trafficking case, including ivory-like parts and detained foreign suspects. UXO Clearance: Laos and MAG launched a new UXO survey and clearance phase in Xieng Khouang, funded by a US$15m U.S. contribution, targeting large-scale surveying and community risk education. Education & Diplomacy: Laos and Vietnam-backed initiatives continued, including a second computer room opening for Vietnamese language training and a seminar on international law and diplomatic protocol.

Anti-Money Laundering Boost: Laos and Luxembourg launched an extra EUR 2.4 million to extend their “Rule of Law, Access to Justice and Good Governance” programme through 2027, backing Laos’ AML/CFT reforms and legal capacity after APG/FATF concerns. UXO Clearance in Xieng Khouang: The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MAG Laos signed an MoU to start a new UXO survey and clearance phase in Xieng Khouang, funded by the US with US$15 million through Nov 2027, including risk education and large-scale land surveying. Parliament Leadership Abroad: Acting President of the Lao National Assembly Sounthone Xayachack arrived in Phnom Penh for the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (Aug 26–28). Education Partnership: UNICEF Lao PDR and JICA signed a cooperation MoC to strengthen education systems, learning outcomes, and early childhood support, with a focus on better access and quality. Health Policy Moves: PSI Laos and Laos’ communicable diseases department signed an MoU to promote sustainable malaria elimination via system integration (Aug 2026–Feb 2028). Food Safety Alert: Xayaboury District temporarily suspended pork slaughter, sale and consumption after African Swine Fever was confirmed, with tighter controls and penalties.

Inspection & Anti-Corruption: Laos’ top inspection and anti-corruption officials, led by Politburo member Vanhsay Phongsavanh, met Vietnam’s Government Inspectorate in Hanoi to exchange approaches on corruption prevention, petitions, digital transformation, and inspector training. Government Priorities: PM Sonexay Siphandone chaired the monthly cabinet plenary, reviewing August performance (72% revenue target met, 48% spending execution) and setting September tasks including faster flood recovery, tighter border security, and stronger action against cybercrime and drugs. Health Cooperation: Laos and PSI Laos signed an MoU to integrate malaria surveillance and response into the national system, funded by the Gates Foundation, running Aug 2026–Feb 2028. Public Service & Security: Xayaboury District temporarily suspended pork slaughter, sale and consumption after African Swine Fever was confirmed, with stricter movement controls and penalties for violations. International Recognition: Laos awarded a Friendship Medal to outgoing UNDP resident representative Martine Thérer for support across development planning, UXO clearance, and LDC graduation efforts. Regional Context: The UN warned Myanmar’s human rights situation has hit a “new low,” especially for minorities, amid ongoing violence and illicit economies.

Rural Development Push: Laos is moving to implement its National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, with a draft National Action Plan and coordination guidelines being shaped now and key programmes slated to start in early 2027 through 2030. Economic & Disaster Priorities: The government’s monthly meeting in Vientiane focused on flood relief, stabilising fuel and consumer prices, and broader measures to protect livelihoods amid economic pressure and recent flash-flood impacts across multiple provinces. Women’s Skills Support: The Lao Women’s Union received vocational training equipment worth 800,000 yuan from China’s All-China Women’s Federation, backing training in tailoring, beauty, and food skills to expand women’s employment and small business opportunities. Women, Youth, Children Cooperation: Laos and Türkiye discussed expanding cooperation on livelihoods, vocational training for disadvantaged women, and follow-up support for scholarship recipients. Regional Connectivity & Policy: Laos is also preparing for energy-sector change by moving to update its Electricity Law, while regional infrastructure and tourism cooperation with neighbours continues to feature in government-linked reporting.

Government Operations & Cost Pressures: Laos’ monthly government meeting in Vientiane focused on flood relief, fuel and commodity prices, and disaster preparedness, alongside revised draft rules spanning government administration, procurement, health insurance, social security, civil aviation and cybercrime. Disaster Recovery Funding: Businesses donated a total of LAK 19 billion for natural-disaster recovery, with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone stressing transparent, effective delivery to affected communities. Energy Policy Update: Laos is updating its 2017 Electricity Law after a week-long review, aiming for a greener, more modern system that supports household/business power generation, direct buying from producers, and smoother handling of expiring concessions. Cybercrime & Cross-Border Enforcement: Authorities reported a major August crackdown on drugs and online gambling, plus the handover of hundreds of foreign suspects to China and Thailand. Regional Diplomacy: India’s MoS Pabitra Margherita will visit Vietnam, Laos and Palau starting Aug 26, including meetings in Laos to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties. Tourism Linkages: Khammouane and Thailand’s Nakhon Phanom pushed “one journey, two countries” Mekong tourism routes. Women & Livelihoods: The Lao Women’s Union and Türkiye discussed expanding training and support for women, youth and children, including small business and vocational programs.

Flood & Cost-of-Living Response: Laos’ monthly government meeting in Vientiane zeroed in on flood relief after flash floods hit eight provinces, alongside fuel and commodity price management and pressure on household livelihoods, with officials also reviewing revised laws and decrees covering areas from procurement and health insurance to cybercrime. Private-Sector Disaster Aid: Businesses donated a total of LAK 19 billion for natural-disaster recovery, with the PM stressing transparent, effective delivery to genuinely affected communities. Regional Connectivity Boost: Vietnam’s National Assembly approved raising investment in the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway to about 11.05 billion USD (nearly 289.34 trillion VND), targeting major completion by 2030. SDG & Biodiversity Planning: Laos endorsed its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030 and the 7th National Report, while also streamlining SDG-related management ahead of expected LDC graduation in November 2026. Diplomacy & Tourism Push: India’s MoS for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita is set to visit Vietnam, Laos and Palau for the 70th anniversary of India–Laos ties, and Laos’ ambassador urged stronger tourism cooperation with India to attract more visitors. Japan Development Support: Japan signed a grant for a clean drinking water system in Xiengkhuang’s Phaxay District under its grassroots human security programme.

Biodiversity Policy: Laos endorsed its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030 and the 7th National Report, clearing the way for submissions ahead of CBD COP17 and to unlock partnerships and financing for conservation. Education Reform: The government is pushing to cut school dropout rates and lift education quality, with tighter focus on disadvantaged and ethnic minority students, better teacher placement and training, and stronger monitoring as Laos prepares for LDC graduation. SDG Progress Ahead of LDC Exit: Laos’ SDGs committee reviewed national progress and draft reporting, with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone urging faster delivery on lagging targets and clearer responsibilities ahead of the expected UN recognition of LDC graduation in November 2026. Monetary Stability: The Bank of the Lao PDR cut the 7-day base interest rate from 8% to 7%, citing ongoing domestic and external risks and the need to keep coordinated monetary and exchange-rate policies on track. Tourism Diplomacy: Laos’ ambassador to India called for stronger tourism cooperation as the two countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations, pitching Luang Prabang and other heritage sites to Indian visitors. Livestock for Exports: Laos is stepping up animal disease control—vaccination, registration, and tighter movement rules—to meet international requirements and support export talks for meat and live animals. Border Security (Regional): Laos and Vietnam’s border forces discussed tighter coordination to curb illegal crossings, transnational crime, and drug trafficking, including joint investigations where needed.

US Court Ruling: A Manhattan federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s “pause” on immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority—an order that also covers Laos among the affected states. Education Policy: Laos is pushing to cut student dropout rates and raise teaching quality, with Deputy PM/Minister of Education Thongsalith Mangnomek urging closer school-family coordination, better teacher placement and training, and stronger monitoring ahead of the 2026–27 school year. SDG & LDC Transition: Laos’ SDG committee reviewed progress as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2026, with PM Sonexay Siphandone stressing clear targets, modern databases, and faster delivery on lagging goals. Monetary Policy: The Bank of the Lao PDR cut the 7-day base interest rate from 8% to 7% to support monetary stability amid domestic and external risks. Tourism Diplomacy: Laos’ ambassador to India urged stronger tourism cooperation as both countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations, highlighting Luang Prabang and other heritage sites to attract more Indian visitors. Livestock for Exports: Laos is stepping up animal disease prevention—vaccination, registration, and tighter movement controls—to meet international standards for live animal and meat exports.

US Immigration Ruling: A US federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s immigrant-visa suspension covering 75 countries, including Laos, saying the blanket nationality-based policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the State Department’s authority. Tourism Diplomacy: Laos is pushing stronger tourism ties with India ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with the Lao ambassador urging Indian visitors to explore Luang Prabang and other heritage sites. Education Overhaul: Laos is moving to cut student dropout rates and raise teaching quality, with Deputy PM/Minister of Education Thongsalith Mangnomek calling for better teacher training, tighter school leadership, and closer work with parents and communities. SDG Countdown: Laos’ SDG committee reviewed progress as the country prepares for LDC graduation in 2026, with PM Sonexay Siphandone urging ministries to accelerate behind-schedule goals and improve monitoring systems. Monetary Policy: The Bank of Lao PDR cut the 7-day base interest rate from 8% to 7% to support monetary stability amid domestic and external risks. Livestock for Exports: Laos is strengthening animal disease control—vaccination, registration, and movement rules—to meet international standards for meat and live-animal exports. Border Security: Lao provinces and border forces held talks with plans to tighten cross-border movement controls and crack down on drugs and transnational crime. Regional Culture & Business: Vietnam–Laos ties got a boost through business and trade updates, while Laos also promoted immersive cultural experiences for visitors.

Education Reform: Laos is moving to cut student dropouts and raise teaching quality, with the Education Ministry reviewing 2026–27 preparations and pointing to teacher capacity gaps, weak practical training, limited materials, and social pressures including drug-related problems. Border Security: Lao provincial border forces in Xiengkhuang, Bolikhamsai and Houaphanh held talks and signed memoranda to tighten control at gates and crossings, boost information sharing, and step up joint action against illegal entry, transnational crime and drug rings. Central Banking: The Bank of Laos cut its seven-day base interest rate from 8% to 7%, citing inflation easing near target, while warning of risks from global growth, volatile oil/gold prices, and domestic currency and debt pressures. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Japan increased grant aid for the Wattay International Airport upgrade by ¥1.027 billion to ¥3.863 billion to keep the project on schedule amid rising costs. Tourism Planning: Vang Vieng’s “Truthful Hills” masterplan was unveiled for 522 hectares, aiming for nature-led, low-impact development near Nam Them reservoir.

Tourism & Planning: Gensler unveiled the 522-hectare “Truthful Hills” masterplan near Vang Vieng, aiming to boost nature-based, higher-value tourism while protecting waterways and ecological corridors. Infrastructure Finance: Japan added ¥1.027 billion in grant aid to expand and upgrade Wattay International Airport, bringing its total commitment to ¥3.863 billion. Monetary Policy: Laos cut the seven-day base interest rate from 8% to 7% and extended FX market operating hours, citing inflation easing but warning of ongoing economic risks. Regulation & Public Health: Laos ordered unlicensed medical and beauty facilities to obtain permits by 30 November, after delayed publication of the directive raised enforcement questions. Cross-Border Trade: Laos and Vietnam met in Vientiane to deepen cooperation on cooperatives, agricultural value chains, and market access. Disaster Response: Prime Minister Le Minh Hung urged continued flood monitoring and faster recovery as heavy rain and a possible storm threaten northern regions. Regional Security/Defense: ASEAN’s Open Volleyball Tournament 2026 opened in Hanoi, with the Lao People’s Army among participating teams.