AGP Executive Report

Cybercrime & Scams: Laos is stepping up action against scam networks, with reports of cybercrime crackdowns and growing fears that scam gangs are gaining a foothold across the region. Migration & Rights: A Lao content creator’s disappearance in Thailand is being framed by an NGO as a possible case of transnational repression. Public Safety: The Lao Red Cross marked World First Aid Day 2026 in Vientiane, focusing on first aid for people on the move. Local Development: Thakhek in Khammouane broke ground on a 2.5 billion kip clock tower meant to boost the city’s look and tourism. Governance & Data: Laos is updating its national statistical system strategy for 2026–2035, aiming for more modern, reliable data to guide policy. Economy & Work: Laos is discussing ways to tackle labor shortages, balancing supply and demand as costs and employment conditions shift. Culture: Mid-Autumn celebrations continue in Laos, with mooncakes bridging Chinese culture and Lao family gatherings.

Labor & Jobs: Laos is stepping up work to tackle labor shortages, with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare calling for both short- and long-term plans to better match supply and demand, amid rising living costs and shifting employment needs. Anti-Corruption: Attapeu Province reported major corruption probes from 2021–2025, including a large treasury case involving over LAK 90 billion in payments made without original supporting documents. Digital & Migration Support: The Lao Red Cross marked World First Aid Day 2026 in Vientiane, focusing on first aid for people on the move, and urging students to learn and share basic skills. Local Development: Thakhek in Khammouane began construction of a 2.5 billion kip clock tower aimed at boosting the city’s look and tourism. Culture & Tourism: China-ASEAN Film Week opened in Vientiane, with Lao and Chinese performances and screenings running through Sept 29. Regional Links: Laos also reviewed development cooperation with Luxembourg, focusing on poverty reduction and local capacity building.

Land & Revenue: Vientiane plans to update official land appraisal prices to better match market values, aiming to reduce inconsistencies that can hurt state revenue. Health & Agriculture: African Swine Fever has spread to seven provinces and 91 districts, with 14,002 pigs lost and authorities tightening movement controls and surveillance. Transport & City Life: Temporary diversions are set for Lane Xang Road in Vientiane (Sept 26–27) to support the Smart Clean-Cooling Road System works. Governance & Learning: Laos National Assembly Law and Justice Committee officials trained on Japan’s legislative and judicial practices with JICA support. Regional Security & Law: Laos and Japan-linked cooperation continues as officials study legislative approaches, while Laos also pushes broader efforts to curb scam networks. Cluster Munitions: Laos’ presidency work on cluster munitions review conference continues as the country faces long-term unexploded submunition risks. Digital & Trade: Laos is moving on digital payments and cross-border connectivity, while regional trade talks keep momentum through ASEAN-linked frameworks.

Government Priorities: Laos reviewed September socio-economic performance and set October tasks, citing 78% revenue collection, 56% spending execution, 7.7% inflation, and steps on African swine fever, disaster repairs, and disease prevention. Digital & Tourism: Laos is pushing digital services, including a national digital tourism platform to keep visitors longer and a travel app rollout. Scam Crackdown Cooperation: Laos is stepping up cooperation to fight scam centres, with regional coordination highlighted at ICCOS-2026 in Phnom Penh. Infrastructure Safety Training: Lao irrigation officials received practical training on irrigation dam safety inspections at Nam Toung 2 Dam, supported by Korea. Culture & Festivals: Pakse will host Boun Ork Phansa and an international boat race Oct 26–27. Regional Security Drill: China’s “Peace Train-2026” medical team concluded a 17-day joint humanitarian exercise on the China-Laos Railway in Vientiane. Trade & Business: Vietnam-Laos Product Week will run Oct 1–4 in Hanoi, featuring Lao food and consumer goods.

UN Culture Push: Vietnam-backed UN resolution adopted 4 Sept proclaims 2027–2036 the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development, with Laos among the core supporters; the US was the only vote against. Laos at UNGA: Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane led the country’s delegation to UN General Assembly debate in New York, with UN chief António Guterres flagging peace, inequality, climate and AI risks. Scam and money-laundering focus: Laos is pushing cooperation to fight scam centres and strengthen AML/CFT systems, aiming to finish FATF-aligned steps by Jan 2027. Border enforcement: Vientiane authorities destroyed 440kg of illegally imported animal and fishery products after inspections found incomplete documents at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge checkpoint. Economy outlook: ADB forecasts Laos growth at 4% in 2026 and 4.5% in 2027, citing easing inflation and steadier exchange rates, while warning of external shocks.

Border Security & Food Safety: Vientiane authorities destroyed 440kg of illegally imported animal and fishery products at Dongphosy Animal Quarantine Checkpoint after inspections at the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge found incomplete import documents. UN Diplomacy: Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane led the country’s delegation at the opening of UNGA 81 in New York, joining high-level talks on peace, development and AI risks. Economy Outlook: The ADB projects Laos growth at 4% in 2026 and 4.5% in 2027, citing easing inflation and steadier exchange rates, while warning of fuel/import shocks and debt pressures. Scam Crackdown Cooperation: Laos is pushing regional action against online scam networks, with a Phnom Penh conference urging stronger laws, faster cross-border information sharing and joint enforcement. Public Health & Cost of Living: Pork shortages in Vientiane are lifting meat prices and straining small eateries as African Swine Fever spreads in neighboring provinces. Transport & Connectivity: Laos is represented at the Global Sustainable Transport Forum in Beijing, focusing on safer, greener transport and cross-border connectivity. People-to-People & Culture: Mahosot Hospital will offer free cleft lip and palate surgery in Vientiane from Nov 25–30, 2026, with registration open until Nov 20. Sports (Regional): Nepal’s Tenzing Sherpa won bronze in karate at the Asian Games after beating Laos’s Vathana Xayasane 9-1.

Money-Laundering Crackdown: Laos is stepping up cooperation with Thailand and UN partners to tackle money laundering tied to scam centers, with a focus on asset freezing, cross-border coordination, and curbing digital-fraud methods ahead of a January 2027 deadline. Rural Development Push: The government has launched a 2027–2030 National Agenda for Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, aiming to lift 100,000+ families out of poverty and cut the national poverty rate to single digits, alongside jobs, rural services, and stronger grassroots administration. Tourism Boost in Vientiane: Vientiane plans new “slow tourism” routes, more evening attractions, and a city pass, plus a Lao Travel app to help visitors book transport and accommodation—after 2025 brought 2.2 million visitors and $621 million revenue. China Ties Marked: China’s embassy hosted a banquet in Vientiane for the 77th anniversary of the PRC and the 65th anniversary of Laos–China diplomatic relations, under the Year of China-Laos Friendship. ASEAN Investment Update: ASEAN and Hong Kong signed a protocol to amend the ASEAN–Hong Kong Investment Agreement, aiming for fairer treatment and stronger legal protection for investors, including Laos.

Rural Development Push: Laos has launched its National Agenda for Rural Development and Poverty Eradication for 2027–2030, aiming to lift more than 100,000 families out of poverty, cut the national poverty rate to single digits, and raise jobs and rural services, with priority on infrastructure and stronger grassroots administration. Scam-Crime Cooperation: Laos is stepping up regional and international work to fight money laundering tied to scam centers, with a Vientiane seminar bringing in Thailand’s embassy, UNODC, Lao agencies and banks to tackle cross-border fraud methods and asset-freezing cooperation. Judicial Fairness Drive: General Vilay Lakhamphong called for stronger, fairer judicial proceedings, urging better training and tighter integrity across police, prosecutors and courts. Diplomatic and Party Ties: Vietnam received a senior Lao delegation in Hanoi, reaffirming the close friendship and strategic cooperation between the two parties and countries. Regional Security Meeting: A Lao delegation arrived in Phnom Penh to attend ICCOS-2026, focused on breaking the chain of online scams. Culture and Tourism: The 25th Lao Handicraft Festival will run Oct 31–Nov 8 in Vientiane, spotlighting crafts from all 18 provinces and linking them to tourism and local livelihoods. Energy Update: A 100MW solar project in Bolikhamxay is moving ahead after community consultations, as Laos expands solar power.

Rural Development Push: Laos officially launched its National Agenda for Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (2027–2030), aiming to lift 100,000+ families out of poverty, cut the national poverty rate to single digits, and upgrade rural jobs, infrastructure, and services. Vietnam Ties Deepen: In Vientiane, Laos and Vietnam reviewed progress on bilateral cooperation and discussed priorities for the rest of 2026, including major connectivity projects and education support. Digital Services for Tourism: Laos rolled out a new Lao Travel Platform to centralize travel planning and bookings, from attractions and transport to SIM/eSIM and accommodation. People & Data Modernization: Vietnam’s deputy prime minister visited Laos’s National Population Database and Citizen ID project, highlighting progress on building a secure, modern population information system. Heritage & Sports: Laos relocated the King Anouvong statue to Anouvong Stadium as renovations near completion, with the upgraded venue set for a handover in November 2026. Water Cooperation: China highlighted decades of Lancang-Mekong hydrological data sharing and flood/drought cooperation with the Mekong River Commission and downstream countries.

Digital Tourism Push: Laos launched the Lao Travel Platform, a “Digital Gateway to Laos” that bundles destination info with booking for stays, transport, SIM/eSIMs and car rentals, as the country targets 43 million visitors from 2026-2030. Mekong Water Cooperation: China highlighted nearly 30 years of Lancang-Mekong cooperation with the Mekong River Commission, including long-running hydrological data sharing and flood/drought response coordination. Bilateral Ties: Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy Prime Minister arrived in Vientiane for an official visit aimed at deepening Laos–Vietnam friendship and strategic cooperation. UN Cluster Munitions: Laos’ foreign minister will lead a high-level delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. Humanitarian Relief: LFNC President delivered 100 tons of rice and 200 million kip to flood-affected families in Champasak. MRC Anniversary: The MRC and dialogue partners marked 30 years of formal cooperation, focusing on timely information exchange as river risks shift. Diplomatic Milestone: Laos and Austria discussed expanding cooperation and Laos’ preparations for LDC graduation by end-2026. UXO/Cluster Munitions Plan: A five-year plan was adopted to strengthen unexploded ordnance clearance and victim assistance.

Cluster Munitions in Laos: Laos wrapped up the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, where delegates adopted the Vientiane Political Declaration and a Vientiane Action Plan 2027–2031 aimed at expanding membership and accelerating UXO/cluster-munition clearance with domestic resources and sustainable funding. Laos–Vietnam Education Boost: A Vietnamese grant is funding a new Khammouane provincial boarding school for ethnic minority students, set to host 1,700–2,000 learners and target remote districts, with completion targeted before the 2028–2029 school year. Laos–China Medical Cooperation: The “Peace Train-2026” medical team held academic exchanges and clinics across Vientiane, Pakse, Savannakhet and Attapeu, training Lao military medical staff and supporting disaster-response and emergency care. Trade Connectivity Watch: The newly opened Pinglu Canal is being billed as a major logistics and trade shortcut linking China’s inland routes to ASEAN, with analysts pointing to knock-on benefits for corridors that already include the China–Laos Railway. Regional Trade Rules: ASEAN signatories, including Laos, agreed to allow voluntary provisional application of an upgraded ATIGA protocol among ready members ahead of its June 2027 entry into force.

ASEAN Trade Boost: The Philippines and other ATIGA signatories, including Laos, have agreed to let countries voluntarily apply the upgraded ATIGA Second Protocol early, aiming for faster market access ahead of its June 2027 entry. China–Laos Connectivity: China’s Pinglu Canal officially opened, cutting shipping distances and logistics costs and strengthening the China–ASEAN trade corridor that matters for regional routes like those linking to Laos. Regional AI Push: China-ASEAN AI cooperation talks in Nanning drew 700+ delegates, focusing on AI for industries, digitalization, AI finance and data circulation. Health Cooperation: The China-Laos “Peace Train-2026” medical team is running academic exchanges and services across Laos, including Vientiane, Pakse, Savannakhet and Attapeu. Public Safety & Water: Laos-linked regional coverage also highlights disaster-response coordination and, separately, safe treated water assurances in Chiang Rai amid wider river pollution concerns. Sports Spotlight: At the Asian Games, teqball continues to feature Laos in matchups, while Laos athletes are mentioned in mixed doubles results.

Cluster Munitions & UXO: Laos wrapped up the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, adopting a new Vientiane Action Plan (2027–2031) while U.S. Senator Peter Welch urged more funding for clearance as UXO still threatens communities. Road Upgrade (Savannakhet): An MoU was signed to study, survey, design, build and maintain a 75.212-km stretch of National Road 13 South (Km 35 to Xebangnouan Bridge) to improve connectivity. Wildlife Crime (Luang Prabang): Authorities seized 28kg of suspected wildlife products and detained a foreign man as investigations continue. Cross-border Security (Vientiane–Nong Khai): Laos handed over 129 Thai nationals to Thailand after raids linked to cybercrime and illegal online gambling. Trade & Connectivity (CAEXPO/CAFTA 3.0): Laos is pushing CAFTA 3.0 opportunities at the China-ASEAN Expo, with Sekong Province highlighted as a “City of Charm” and a focus on standards, logistics, and digital trade. Regional Transport Boost (China-Laos Railway): China reported record rail passenger growth, with China-Laos Railway cross-border trips rising 39.1% in Jan–Aug. Sports (Asian Games): Laos featured in Asian Games teqball and soft tennis coverage, while the wider Games continue in Aichi-Nagoya.

Cluster Munitions: Laos wrapped up the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, adopting a new Vientiane Action Plan for 2027–2031, as the country warned the UXO threat still blocks development and endangers communities. UXO Scale: Laos’ National Regulatory Authority says about 80 million unexploded cluster submunitions remain, with clearance potentially taking hundreds of years at current rates. Cross-border Crime: Lao authorities handed 129 Thai nationals (including 57 women) to Thailand after raids tied to cybercrime and illegal online gambling. Road Upgrade: A feasibility study and design push is underway for a 75.212-km stretch of National Road 13 South in Savannakhet, from Km 35 to the Xebangnouan Bridge. Trade & Connectivity: Laos is using CAFTA 3.0 and the China-ASEAN Expo to push trade, investment, digitalization and cleaner logistics—while stressing Lao firms need standards, certification and efficient supply chains to win in China. Regional Transport: China reported record railway passenger numbers and highlighted growth on the China–Laos Railway, with cross-border trips rising sharply. Sports: Laos’ presence at the Asian Games continues, including teqball action featuring Lao players.

Cluster Munitions: Laos wrapped up the Third Review Conference on the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, adopting a Review Document, a Political Declaration, and a Vientiane Action Plan for 2027–2031, as delegates pushed for faster progress and stronger domestic financing. UXO Threat: Laos says about 80 million unexploded cluster submunitions still threaten the country, with clearance at current pace potentially taking hundreds of years. Humanitarian Diplomacy: A U.S. Senator filed a Congressional Record statement urging more action and resources for UXO clearance as civilians remain at risk decades after the Vietnam War. Road Upgrade (Savannakhet): An MOU was signed to study, design, build and maintain a 75.212-km stretch of National Road 13 South (Km 35 to the Xebangnouan Bridge) under a three-year construction plan. Cybercrime Crackdown: Lao authorities handed 129 Thai nationals to Thailand after raids in Vientiane linked to cybercrime networks and illegal online gambling. Regional Health Support: Laos and partners launched Phase IV of a joint RMNCAH program to strengthen maternal, newborn and child health services nationwide.

Health Partnership: Laos and Luxembourg, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO launched Phase IV of a joint RMNCAH program to strengthen reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, building on gains in neonatal and under-five mortality and wider skilled birth attendance. Border Justice: Vietnam and Laos met in Da Nang to improve coordination between central agencies and border provinces for mutual legal assistance in criminal cases, as transnational crimes and digital-linked cases grow more complex. Disaster Response & Safety: Laos is pushing UXO risk education and is preparing a 2027–2036 UXO clearance strategy aimed at faster surveying, safer clearance tech and moving toward more self-reliance. Flood Recovery: In Oudomxay, a senior Party/state delegation inspected flood-hit areas and delivered 700 million kip in central aid to speed restoration after monsoon flash floods and landslides. Regional Cooperation: Lao and Chinese leaders discussed turning high-level agreements into concrete cooperation across connectivity, rural development, poverty reduction, public health and education. Sports (Laos in the mix): India’s men’s soft tennis team beat Laos in Asian Games group play, then advanced to the quarter-finals before losing to Indonesia. Cross-border crackdown: Laos repatriated 129 Thai nationals arrested in Vientiane over work tied to online gambling sites, after legal processing.