Rural Poverty Drive: Laos targets lifting over 100,000 households out of poverty in three years under a new National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, focusing on sustainable livelihoods, modern farming, and upgraded rural infrastructure. Healthcare Upgrade: The Health Ministry says it will modernize central and provincial hospitals while strengthening district hospitals, health centres and village health volunteers, alongside disease prevention and support for health insurance for poor families. Macroeconomic Outlook: The World Bank projects 3.8% growth for Laos in 2026, saying recent stability gains are fragile and urging continued fiscal discipline, stronger revenue collection, and targeted help for low-income households. ASEAN-Myanmar Diplomacy: ASEAN foreign ministers will meet Myanmar’s counterpart in Bangkok on July 12 to discuss cooperation and reconciliation dialogue as Myanmar seeks wider engagement. Border and Security Ties: Vietnam and Laos held defence cooperation activities including a border marker repainting ceremony and a border guard coordination station handover, plus scholarships for students. Digital Tax Revenue: Laos has collected about USD 12 million in digital taxes from global tech firms since the system began in late 2024, as part of broader tax modernization. Public Health Alerts: Lao Telecom and People in Need Laos signed on Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) to send flood warnings via SMS and voice, supporting downstream communities to prepare for climate risks.