AGP Executive Report

Laos–Vietnam Connectivity: Bolikhamxay Province is moving ahead with preparations for the Pakxan–Thanh Thuy section of the Vientiane–Hanoi expressway, posting a draft compensation plan for affected residents covering land, buildings, crops and fruit trees, with payments to be transferred within 60 working days after approvals. Economic Pressure: Laos’ inflation climbed to 7.9% in September, up from 7.7% in August, driven by higher fuel prices, education-related costs and seasonal price moves, with housing and utilities rising sharply. Diplomacy: Laos officially established diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago at the UN, bringing the total number of partners to 155 worldwide. Regional Ties: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met Thailand’s deputy PM and foreign minister ahead of the 23rd Lao-Thai Joint Commission meeting, aiming for practical outcomes and deeper cooperation. China–Laos Spotlight: China’s National Day flag-raising also took place at the Mohan Railway Port on the China–Laos Railway, underscoring the corridor’s role in cross-border traffic. Tourism & Trade: Vietnam–Laos Product Week opened in Hanoi to boost market links, while China’s National Day holiday is expected to drive a major travel surge, with flights to Laos among those rising.

MIA Awareness Drive: VFW Commander-in-Chief Cory Geisler urged support for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency after touring DPAA recovery work in Vietnam, including a memorial for an Mi-17 crash that killed Americans and Vietnamese. Public Health Measures: Laos has imposed a ban on domestic travel between localities and provinces to curb viral spread, with limited exceptions for goods transport and medical needs. Diplomacy: Laos and Trinidad and Tobago officially established diplomatic relations at the UN in New York, bringing Laos’ total to 155 partners worldwide. Economy Watch: Laos’ inflation rose to 7.9% in September, driven by higher fuel prices and education-related costs, while housing, water, electricity and gas saw the biggest jump. China–Laos Military Ties: China and Laos opened a joint support and training centre at Ban Keun Airport near Vientiane, saying it is for training Lao air force pilots and not aimed at third parties. Regional Security & Rights: A Thailand-based rights group says Lao activist Khieo Lapchanh has been missing since Sept 15, raising fears of transnational repression. Sports: India’s Asian Games run continued with rare silver medals in sailing and Greco-Roman wrestling, while Laos’ own sports coverage included regional updates and Laos-linked athlete stories.

China–Laos Military Ties: China opened a joint support and training centre plus an aviation academy at Ban Keun Airport north of Vientiane, with satellite imagery showing a new paved runway and buildings; both sides say it’s for Lao air force pilot training and “not directed at any third party.” Border Trade Upgrade: Vietnam and Laos agreed to upgrade the Huoi Puoc–Na Son border gate to international status in 2027, aiming to expand trade and logistics links. Road Compensation: Laos is paying compensation to residents affected by the Pakxan–Thanh Thuy expressway project, part of the Lao–Vietnam capital link. Activist Missing in Thailand: A Thailand-based Lao activist, Khieo Lapchanh, has been missing since mid-September; a human rights group warns of possible transnational repression after threats over government-critical videos. Sports Spotlight: India’s men’s sepaktakraw quadrant team secured at least bronze at the Asian Games by reaching the semifinals; Bahrain’s Sukhrob Boqiev won bronze in men’s -66kg karate. Local Diplomacy: Laos’ Foreign Ministry held a lecture in Vientiane marking major national historical anniversaries and Laos–Vietnam friendship milestones.

China–Laos Military Aviation: China and Laos have inaugurated a joint air force support and training centre at Ban Keun Airport near Vientiane, aimed at training Lao air force pilots and jointly operated by both sides, with officials saying it does not target third parties. Aviation Training in Laos: Laos and China also opened a Joint Aviation Training and Support Center and Laos–China Friendship Aviation College at Ban Keun, framed as a step up in military aviation cooperation and pilot skills development. Education & Literacy: Laos’ Ministry of Education and Sports launched new research to boost Lao language skills and literacy in primary schools, especially for children who don’t speak Lao at home, supported by Australia’s BEQUAL program. Environment Funding: Laos held a GEF-9 planning workshop in Vientiane to set priorities for environmental and climate action, including sustainable forestry, climate-resilient farming, Mekong water security, and hazardous waste management. Farmers’ Rights: The SOLAR II project began its second phase to strengthen social protection, labor rights, and occupational safety for more than 32,000 farmers across seven provinces. Digital Security Deal: Kaspersky and Best Telecom expanded cooperation in Laos to strengthen cybersecurity for telecom and financial services, including bundled consumer protection services. Social Protection for Farmers: The SOLAR II rollout highlights ongoing gaps in contracts, awareness of safety rules, and social security coverage in rural coffee, tea, and forestry sectors.

China-Laos Military Cooperation: China says its new China-Laos Joint Support and Training Center and Friendship Aviation Academy are now operating at Ban Keun airport, aimed at training Laos air force pilots, while insisting the move is “not directed against any third party.” ASEAN Media Coordination: Laos hosted the 27th ASEAN committee culture and information sub-committee on information meeting in Vientiane, focusing on stronger regional media cooperation and tackling fake news amid rapid digital change. Laos Economy Watch: Laos inflation rose to 7.8% in September, with education and utility costs cited as key drivers. Regional Security/Justice: U.S. authorities reported 104 arrests in a Kansas ICE operation targeting noncitizens with criminal convictions, including a person identified as Lao, while rejecting claims of indiscriminate “sweeps.” Sports (Regional Spotlight): Vietnam topped the Southeast Asian Pencak Silat Championships, with Laos among participating countries, while Asian Games coverage highlighted medal action across archery and squash.

China-Laos Military Ties: China opened a new China-Laos joint support and training center and the China-Laos friendship aviation academy at Ban Keun airport, aimed at strengthening Laos air force pilot and ground crew training, with Beijing saying it is not directed at any third party. ASEAN Media Cooperation: Laos hosted an ASEAN culture and information meeting in Vientiane to set directions for regional information and media work, including tackling fake news and synthetic media. Inflation Watch: Laos inflation climbed to 7.9% in September, driven mainly by higher fuel prices and education-related costs, with the central bank targeting below 7% for 2026. Food Security & Disease Control: Laos eased regulated pig movements to keep pork supply stable while tightening African Swine Fever surveillance using red/yellow/green zones. Labour Rights in Agriculture: SOLAR II launched in Vientiane to improve labour rights and social protection for coffee, tea and forestry workers, expanding coverage to more districts through 2030. Digital Payments: Vietnam reported a surge in cross-border QR payments, with visitors from Laos and Thailand using VietQR Global codes more than doubling in volume and value. Sports (Regional Interest): Philippines women’s sepak takraw won historic silver after losing to Vietnam in the Asian Games doubles final.

ASEAN Cooperation: Laos hosted the 27th ASEAN committee on culture and information sub-committee on information in Vientiane, pushing stronger regional media ties and tackling disinformation and synthetic media. Humanitarian Response: Plan International Laos launched emergency relief after Typhoon Maysak hit Luang Namtha, supporting 500 households with food, clean water and WASH, with special concern for girls and young women. Cluster Munitions: Cambodia’s CMAC chief Heng Ratana told a Vientiane conference that alleged Thai cluster munitions use affected hundreds of villages and tens of thousands of people, reaffirming the ban. Labour Rights in Agriculture: SOLAR II began in Vientiane to strengthen labour rights and social protection for coffee, tea and forestry workers and small producers, funded by the EU and led by the ILO. Food Security: Laos eased regulated pig movement while tightening African swine fever controls using red/yellow/green zones to keep pork supply stable. Digital Payments for Tourism: Vietnam’s cross-border QR payments surged, with visitors from Laos and other neighbors using familiar apps to spend more easily. Transport Connectivity: The Boten–Vientiane intercity train service launched on the China–Laos Railway, enabling same-day round trips for northern residents. Sports Spotlight: Laos featured in Asian Games sepak takraw as the Philippines beat Laos in women’s doubles semis, then lost to Vietnam in the final for silver.

China-Laos Railway: Laos launched its first morning intercity train service between Boten and Vientiane on the China-Laos Railway, with C95 departing Boten at 8:00 am and arriving Vientiane at 11:47 am, and C96 returning at 2:05 pm (arriving 6:32 pm), stopping at six stations and enabling same-day round trips for work, business and family visits. Digital Economy: Laos is reviewing a draft 2026–2035 master plan to strengthen e-commerce and grow the digital economy, focusing on digital infrastructure, logistics, AI and cybersecurity, plus consumer protection mechanisms for online complaints and disputes. LDC Graduation: Laos reaffirmed its commitment to a smooth, sustainable exit from Least Developed Country status, with graduation scheduled for November 24, 2026, and reiterated support for multilateralism at the UN General Assembly. Sports Cooperation: Laos and Cuba moved to deepen cooperation in sports science and education, including a signed agreement between Cuban and Lao universities on exchanging technical knowledge, research and staff. Regional Diplomacy: Thailand’s foreign minister will visit Laos from Sept 30 to Oct 2 to co-chair the 23rd Lao-Thai Joint Commission meeting, aiming to expand bilateral cooperation. Humanitarian Support: The Swiss Red Cross handed over vehicles and equipment to the Lao Red Cross to boost blood donation services and school/community emergency preparedness. Asian Games Spotlight: In Japan, the Philippines’ women’s sepak takraw team beat Laos to reach the gold-medal match, while Laos’ presence continues to be felt across the region’s sport scene.

Laos–EU Partnership: Laos is moving into a new phase with the European Union, with support shifting toward sustainable investment, private-sector growth, trade, jobs and connectivity as both sides prepare for the next stage of cooperation. LDC Graduation Push: Laos says it is on track to graduate from Least Developed Country status by the end of this year, backed by a Smooth Transition Strategy to manage the exit. Culture & People-to-People Ties: The “Lancang-Mekong Melodies: Lao People Singing Chinese Songs” grand final was held in Vientiane, drawing more than 700 people and promoting youth interest in Chinese culture. Tourism Momentum: Laos is ranked among the world’s fastest-improving travel and tourism economies in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 index, with a 6.1% improvement from 2024 to 2026. Cyber-Scam Crackdown Focus: Regional efforts to fight online scams are intensifying, with Interpol warning that romance and financial fraud linked to organised syndicates is increasingly threatening Asian economies, including Laos. Sports Spotlight (ASEAN Cup): Laos’ football team faces scrutiny after alleged match-fixing and heavy defeats, with coach Vladica Grujic under pressure ahead of the FIFA ASEAN Cup.

Football in the region: Laos’ match-fixing probe is still casting a shadow as the country faces Hong Kong in the FIFA Asean Cup, after heavy defeats in the Asean Championship and allegations involving its own squad. Tourism boost for Laos: The World Economic Forum’s 2026 Travel and Tourism Development Index lists Laos among the world’s fastest improvers, with a 6.1% rise in its score from 2024 to 2026. Scam crackdown and warning: Interpol says online financial and romance fraud is increasingly threatening Asian economies, as syndicates expand across the region; Laos is named among countries linked to scam activity. UN diplomacy: Laos is cited among governments backing UNAIDS as HIV funding faces a squeeze, while UNGA remarks highlight the growing role of “middle powers” and ASEAN in keeping global dialogue moving. Culture ties: Vientiane hosted the grand final of “Lancang-Mekong Melodies,” celebrating Lao people singing Chinese songs and strengthening China–Laos people-to-people exchanges. Public safety travel alert: UK authorities warn travellers to avoid free or unlabelled alcohol after methanol poisoning deaths, including a case tied to Vang Vieng, Laos.

UN Diplomacy: Malaysia’s foreign minister said middle powers and ASEAN must help shape global decisions when major powers stall, urging renewed trust in multilateralism at the UN General Assembly. Cybercrime Watch: Interpol warned that online financial and romance scams are escalating across Asia, with syndicates using multiple countries to recruit and run fraud operations. Laos Football & Integrity: Laos face Hong Kong in the FIFA ASEAN Cup after a match-fixing probe and heavy defeats in the ASEAN Championship, with coach Vladica Grujic facing questions over the team’s turnaround. Digital Payments: Cross-border QR payments are shifting from basic connectivity to real economic value, with Vietnam pushing QR use for tourism, retail and trade. Laos Regional Cooperation: Vietnam and Laos Front committees met to deepen people-to-people ties and boost public awareness of bilateral friendship. Culture in Vientiane: China-ASEAN Film Week opened in Vientiane, featuring Lao and Chinese performances and screenings through Sept 29. Scam Safety Link: Laos is also stepping up efforts to tackle labor shortages and employment matching as economic pressures reshape the job market.

Cyber-Scam Crackdown: Laos is moving to break cyber-scam networks, with reports of raids and arrests in Vientiane and wider efforts to curb scam centres. Regional Front Cooperation: Vietnam’s Fatherland Front and Laos’ Champasak Front held talks to deepen people-to-people ties, share Front operations experience, and support cross-border business and community exchanges. Tourism & Culture Links: China’s Guangxi promoted tourism in Vientiane under “Discover Guangxi,” highlighting routes and cultural exchanges tied to the 65th anniversary of Laos-China diplomatic relations. Laos Labour Push: Laos is tackling labour shortages with short- and long-term plans, focusing on employment services and policies to balance supply and demand amid rising living costs and market shifts. ASF Impact in Vientiane: African swine fever has hit Vientiane markets, with pork movement restrictions and rising beef prices as outbreaks expand to multiple provinces. Vientiane Media Training: 25 journalists from Laos and other countries completed a war correspondent training programme, covering safety and reporting skills for conflict and disaster zones. China-ASEAN Film Week: The China-ASEAN Film Week opened in Vientiane, featuring selected films and cultural performances through Sept 29. Cross-border Digital Payments: Laos and China launched digital payment links to make cross-border transactions easier.

Eurovision Asia Hosts: Thailand’s Channel 3 and Voxovation announced Woody Milintachinda and Cindy Bishop as hosts for the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia in Bangkok. China–Laos Tourism Ties: Guangxi held “Discover Guangxi” in Vientiane to boost culture and tourism cooperation, marking 65 years of China–Laos diplomacy and the Friendship Year. Cross-border Safety Concern: A Lao content creator’s disappearance in Thailand is being flagged by an NGO as a possible case of transnational repression. Labor Market Pressure in Laos: Laos is working on short- and long-term plans to tackle labor shortages, citing inflation, technology shifts, and changing job-market conditions. Cybercrime Crackdown Context: Laos is reported to have detained 33 suspects in a Vientiane cybercrime crackdown, as the region fights scam networks. Health & Food Prices: African swine fever is hitting Vientiane’s meat markets, with pork movement restrictions and rising beef prices. Migrant Workers’ Remittances: Lao migrant workers sent about USD 500 million home in the first seven months of 2026, up 36.6% year-on-year. Culture on Screen: China–ASEAN Film Week opened in Vientiane, with screenings running through Sept 29.

Automotive Exports: Vietnam’s car makers are pushing exports further, but analysts warn the “Made in Vietnam” label still hides heavy reliance on imported key parts, meaning long-term wins will depend on more R&D, homegrown technologies, and strong after-sales services. Insurance Ratings: AM Best affirmed BIDV Insurance’s B++ financial strength and “bbb” long-term issuer ratings, citing strong capital and stable outlook. Laos Jobs & Migration: Laos is tackling labor shortages with short- and long-term plans, while Lao migrant workers sent about USD 500 million home in the first seven months of 2026, up 36.6%. Anti-Corruption: Attapeu authorities reported major corruption probes from 2021-2025, including irregular treasury payments worth over LAK 90 billion. Digital & Crime Crackdown: Laos is also moving on cybercrime and scam-centre enforcement, including a Vientiane crackdown that detained 33 suspects. Tourism Safety Alert: The UK Foreign Office renewed warnings to avoid free or cheap alcohol abroad after methanol poisoning deaths, including cases linked to Vang Vieng, Laos. Regional Culture: China-ASEAN Film Week opened in Vientiane, with screenings running to Sept 29.

Laos ASF Update: Laos’ Agriculture and Environment Ministry says African Swine Fever has hit seven provinces and 91 districts, killing or culling 14,002 pigs and causing losses of over 58.8 billion kip, with officials urging strict monitoring as the outbreak eases but isn’t fully controlled. Digital Laos & Regional Links: Laos is pushing digital services and cross-border connectivity, including efforts to link national digital ID systems with ASEAN partners and expand digital tourism platforms. Scam Crackdown Cooperation: Cambodia’s international anti-scam conference wrapped up with calls for stronger regional coordination, as Laos and others continue joint moves to disrupt scam networks and protect victims. Regional Trade Momentum: RCEP approved an ad hoc accession working group to advance Bangladesh’s bid, keeping the bloc open and inclusive—relevant for Laos as a member seeking smoother supply-chain integration. Sports Spotlight: Laos kicked off the FIFA ASEAN Cup against Brunei in Hong Kong, while Laos also featured in regional chess action and Asian Games coverage.

UN Anti-Scam Push in Phnom Penh: The ICCOS-2026 conference wrapped its second day on Sept 24, with Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos and others sharing how to tackle online scam networks through better information sharing, stronger law enforcement, capacity building, prevention and victim support. China-Laos “Peace Train-2026” Ends: A PLA medical team concluded a 17-day joint humanitarian exercise on the China-Laos Railway, running free clinics, check-ups and surgical mentoring for military personnel and civilians. Regional Trade Boost via Pinglu Canal: China says the newly opened Pinglu Canal (opened Sept 16) is cutting shipping times for Laos cargo and improving China–ASEAN logistics, with faster routes for goods like fertilizer and tea. Laos at UNGA 81: Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane led the country’s delegation to the UN General Debate in New York, focusing on restoring trust, managing transformation and responding to risks including AI. Digital Identity Interop Watch: Vietnam plans to link VNeID with Singapore’s Singpass and Laos’ LAeID, starting with airport pilots to speed cross-border verification.