AGP Executive Report

China–Laos “Peace Train-2026” Exercise: A joint humanitarian medical rescue drill opened in Vientiane with over 700 personnel, running into late September, to boost disaster response and military medical cooperation. Luang Prabang Economy vs. Tourism Hit: The province’s economy grew 3.9% in the first half of 2026, helped by services, industry, agriculture and the China–Laos Railway—while tourist arrivals plunged by 884,775 year-on-year. Flood Relief Funding: SEADRIF released an additional US$1.1m for Laos flooding response, bringing current payouts to US$2.3m for the Lao government and WFP. More Rain Warning: Laos’ meteorology office warned of thunderstorms and possible flash floods, landslides and urban flooding, including in parts of Vientiane. Cross-border Transport: Thailand’s BKS will launch a new Vientiane–Udon Thani Airport bus route on 9 September, with two daily round trips. Luang Prabang Tourism Shock: Officials link the downturn to broader regional travel weakness despite stronger rail-linked trade and transport.

Peace Train 2026: Laos and China kicked off a 16-day joint military exercise focused on humanitarian assistance and medical services, with Chinese medical teams arriving in Vientiane for drills and later on-site support at Lao military hospitals and in Attapeu. Weather Watch: Laos’ meteorology agency warned of more rain this week, with risks of flash floods, landslides, and urban waterlogging in vulnerable areas, including parts of Vientiane capital and province. Cross-border Transport: Thailand’s state bus operator BKS will launch a new Vientiane–Udon Thani airport route on 9 September, adding a direct daily connection with airport stops. Gold Sector Push: The Lao Gold Festival 2026 opened in Vientiane under “Lao Gold to Global Gold,” aiming to link Lao gold producers with international markets and promote a more standardized industry. Sports: Australia’s Young Socceroos missed AFC U20 Asian Cup qualification after a 2-0 loss to Indonesia at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane. Regional Role: Turkmenistan was elected chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with Laos named in the governing bureau.

Laos–Kazakhstan Ties: President Thongloun Sisoulith met Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, pledging deeper cooperation on trade, investment, transport, energy, education and digital development. Gold Market Push: As Laos prepares for the Lao Gold Festival 2026, the country is seeking closer links with international gold markets to boost Lao gold products and investment. Regional Security Cooperation: China’s public security chief Wang Xiaohong met Lao Minister of Public Security Vanthong Kongmany in Beijing, agreeing to intensify cooperation on online gambling, telecom fraud, drug control and border security, including along the China–Laos Railway. Flood Relief Payments: Seadrif reported a second payout of about US$1.14m to Laos and WFP as heavy rains continue to affect communities. Sports (Laos on the pitch): Laos hosted AFC U-20 qualifiers at the New Laos National Stadium, where Australia beat Laos 2-0 and Indonesia later qualified after a 2-0 win over Australia’s group rivals; Malaysia also beat Laos 2-1 to advance.

Flood Relief for Laos: Seadrif has wired about US$1.14 million to the Lao government and the World Food Programme as heavy rains continue, underscoring ongoing needs after recent flooding. Laos Security Cooperation: China’s top public security official met Lao counterparts in Beijing, pledging deeper joint work on telecom fraud, online gambling, drug control and border security, including closer coordination for the China-Laos Railway. Laos Sports on the Pitch: Malaysia booked a spot in the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup finals after beating Laos 2-1 in Vientiane, with Laos scoring through Odin Siphanit. Laos and Gold Trade: Laos opened the Lao Gold Festival 2026 in Vientiane, aiming to lift the sector to international standards and position the country as a regional gold hub for ASEAN. Culture and Development: The UN General Assembly adopted Vietnam-proposed plans for an International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development (2027–2036), with Laos among the core supporters.

Laos Gold Festival 2026: Laos opened the three-day Lao Gold Festival 2026 in Vientiane, aiming to lift the sector to international standards and position the country as a more standardized gold trading hub for ASEAN. Carbon Credits Deal: Singapore and Laos signed an implementation agreement to cooperate on Article 6 carbon credits under the Paris Agreement, setting a legal framework for generating and transferring credits. Regional Security Drills: Indonesia’s Super Garuda Shield 2026 continued with live-fire rocket-launcher training, including the Vampire MLRS, as 21 countries test readiness and coordination. Myanmar-Vietnam Talks: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing met Vietnam’s PM Le Minh Hung in a push to deepen ties and expand cooperation. Crypto Scam Crackdown: The US Treasury’s FinCEN linked about $12.7 billion in suspicious activity to crypto investment scams run from Southeast Asian compounds, with the report highlighting forced-labor-linked operations including in Laos. ASEAN Travel Update: Thailand’s revised visa-free rules take effect Sept. 15, changing entry categories and affecting travellers’ planning.

Laos–Vietnam Agriculture Push: Laos and Vietnam agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, focusing on attracting more Vietnamese investment, solving problems faced by existing businesses, and preparing an agriculture investment promotion conference in Laos. NUOL Honors Leaders: The National University of Laos awarded six people with academic titles and honorary doctorates for contributions to national development, education, public administration, environmental management and social development. China–Laos Disaster Readiness: China and Laos will hold a joint “Peace Train” humanitarian medical rescue exercise in Laos this September, simulating a super typhoon response and covering search-and-rescue, evacuation, health and epidemic prevention. Singapore–Laos Carbon Credits: Singapore and Laos signed an implementation agreement to collaborate on Article 6 carbon credits, aiming to channel financing into additional emissions-reduction opportunities in Laos. Regional Connectivity Talks: Laos and Kazakhstan discussed expanding trade and transport links, including using the China–Laos Railway as a potential gateway for Lao goods to Central Asia and Europe. Travel Advisory Update: South Korea lifted special travel advisories for parts of Thailand, while keeping alerts for checkpoint areas bordering Laos and Myanmar due to job-scam risks. Cybercrime Crackdown (Laos): Laos reported arrests of at least 6,200 cybercrime suspects in the first eight months of 2026.

UN & Culture: The UN General Assembly adopted Vietnam’s proposed “International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development (2027–2036),” with Laos among the core promoters and UNESCO set as the focal point. Laos–Vietnam Agriculture: Laos and Vietnam agreed to deepen agricultural cooperation, including attracting Vietnamese investment and preparing an agriculture-focused investment promotion conference. Laos–Singapore Carbon Credits: Singapore and Laos signed an implementation agreement to cooperate on Paris Agreement Article 6 carbon credits, aiming to channel financing into Laos emissions-reduction projects. Laos–China Disaster Response: China and Laos will hold “Peace Train-2026,” a joint humanitarian medical rescue drill in Laos targeting search-and-rescue, evacuation, epidemic prevention and psychological support. Laos–Kazakhstan Connectivity: Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith visited Kazakhstan, with leaders backing expanded trade and logistics links, twin-city ties (Astana–Vientiane), and an asset-recovery cooperation memorandum. Public Health & Consumer Safety: Laos’ Food and Drug Department banned five unregistered cosmetic brands after they entered the market without proper registration and were promoted online. Regional Security Travel: South Korea lifted special travel advisories for parts of Thailand, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Ethiopia, but kept alerts for areas bordering Laos and Myanmar to curb job scams.

Carbon & Climate Cooperation: Singapore and Laos signed an implementation agreement to collaborate on carbon credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, aiming to channel financing into Laos emissions-reduction projects. Disaster Preparedness: China and Laos will hold a “Peace Train-2026” humanitarian medical rescue exercise in Laos, simulating a super typhoon response and covering search-and-rescue, evacuation, disease control and psychological support. Agriculture & Food Security: Laos and Vietnam are pushing stronger agricultural cooperation, including attracting Vietnamese investment, tackling problems faced by existing firms, and preparing an agriculture-focused investment promotion conference. Transport & Trade Links: Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith’s visit to Kazakhstan highlighted plans to connect rail and logistics networks via the China-Laos Railway corridor, with Kazakhstan offering access to its Xi’an logistics hub for routes toward Central Asia and Europe. Public Health & Consumer Protection: Laos’ Food and Drug Department banned five unregistered cosmetic brands after finding they entered the market without proper registration and closely resembled well-known products. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Myanmar’s military-backed leader Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Vietnam for talks as part of efforts to normalize ties and attract investment, amid weakened trade with Vietnam.

Flood Recovery in Luang Namtha: Electricité du Laos (EDL) crews are working to restore power after flooding damaged parts of the Luang Namtha network, including repairs around the Nateuy–Boten area and the 115 kV Ban Mai substation, with meter replacements and ongoing network restoration in affected villages. Bilateral Push with Belarus: Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith met Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on the sidelines of the SCO Plus summit in Bishkek, agreeing to turn existing deals into practical projects across trade and other areas to improve people’s well-being. Kazakhstan Visit Underway: Sisoulith arrived in Astana for an official visit to strengthen Laos–Kazakhstan cooperation, with talks expected to focus on trade, investment, tourism, education, and people-to-people exchanges, plus new agreements and twin-city ties. CLOSEUP Counterfeit Crackdown: Laos’ Ministry of Industry and Commerce ordered nationwide inspections and the seizure and destruction of counterfeit CLOSEUP toothpaste, urging consumers to watch for packaging and price red flags and to report suspected products via the 1510 hotline. Fuel Prices Adjusted: Retail fuel prices increased nationwide from 6:00 AM on Sept 3, with premium gasoline up to 38,170 LAK/liter, regular to 32,100 LAK/liter, and diesel to 31,840 LAK/liter. Sports (U-20 Qualifiers): Malaysia held Australia to a 2-2 draw in Vientiane after a match pause for heavy rain and lightning, setting up the next group clash as Laos’ group standings remain tight.

Laos–Kazakhstan Ties: President Thongloun Sisoulith’s historic visit to Kazakhstan is driving new deals, including political consultations, prosecutor-to-prosecutor cooperation, and an ICT/e-government memorandum, plus Astana–Vientiane twin-city links. Trade & Logistics: Kazakhstan says it wants to expand exports to Laos and use its Central Asia transport network and Trans-Caspian route to boost connectivity. Digital & Agriculture Cooperation: Talks flagged ICT and e-government work, plus agriculture swaps like Kazakh grain and Laos coffee/rubber, with joint processing and irrigation tech on the agenda. Flood Relief in Luang Namtha: The province has launched a donation drive after flash floods damaged homes, roads and farmland, with recovery support needed for displaced families. Counterfeit Crackdown: Laos ordered nationwide inspections and seizure of counterfeit CLOSEUP toothpaste, urging consumers to check packaging and report suspicious products. Fuel Prices: A nationwide fuel price increase took effect Sept 3, with premium gasoline rising the most. Cybercrime Transfers: Laos handed over 34 Thai nationals in the ST Vegas case, continuing batch transfers from Lao custody. Sports: Malaysia held Australia 2-2 in AFC U-20 qualifiers at Lao National Stadium KM16 in Vientiane after a weather-hit match.

SCO Diplomacy: President Thongloun Sisoulith attended the SCO Plus meeting in Bishkek as Laos’ first official Dialogue Partner, calling for a fairer international order and proposing four cooperation priorities: agriculture and food security, digital transformation, transport and connectivity, and banking/finance. Disaster Insurance Payout: SEADRIF paid US$1.1375 million to Laos and WFP after widespread flooding affected more than 260,000 people, using a shared government-humanitarian trigger aligned with Laos’ disaster reporting. Green Energy for Schools: Laos’ first zero-carbon “library” opened in Luang Prabang with solar power, energy storage and charging support from Zhejiang Electric Power, part of the China–Laos Friendship Year. Vietnam National Day Ties: Laos leaders sent congratulations to Vietnam on its 81st National Day, highlighting deepening solidarity and achievements under Doi Moi. Regional Security/Justice: Cambodia’s court sentenced three activists to seven years each over alleged plotting against the government, in a case tied to protests against the CLV-DTA development plan.

SCO Plus Diplomacy: President Thongloun Sisoulith led Laos’ first participation as an official SCO Dialogue Partner at the SCO Plus meeting in Bishkek, calling for stronger multilateralism and a fairer world order, and outlining four cooperation priorities: agriculture and food security, digital transformation, transport and connectivity, and banking and finance. Disaster Response Funding: SEADRIF has paid US$1.1375 million to Laos and WFP after widespread flooding affected more than 260,000 people, using aligned government and humanitarian disaster triggers. Climate and Safety Watch: Laos has warned of flash floods and landslides on Sept 1–2 as monsoon conditions persist, with flooding also reported in northern provinces. Energy and Education: A China-aided “zero-carbon library” opened in Luang Prabang, combining solar power, storage and charging for students. Regional AI Pressure: Laos is among several ASEAN states reported to have joined China’s WAICO AI grouping, as the region faces competing AI blocs from the US and China. Culture in Vientiane: Vietnam marked its National Day with an exhibition in Vientiane featuring 50 paintings of Ho Chi Minh, strengthening Vietnam–Laos solidarity. TB Snapshot: A new regional look at tuberculosis burden highlights Laos among countries still facing high incidence challenges.

SCO Diplomacy: President Thongloun Sisoulith met India’s PM Narendra Modi in Bishkek on the sidelines of the SCO Plus meeting, with both sides discussing stronger India–Laos linkages as Modi also pushed for dialogue over conflict and “zero tolerance” for terrorism. Flood Response: Heavy monsoon rains have flooded more than 100 villages in northern Laos, hitting Luang Namtha, Oudomxay and Luang Prabang with damaged homes, farmland and disrupted roads, power and water. Tourism Development: Gensler unveiled a masterplan for “Truthful Hills” near Vang Vieng, laying out a nature-led tourism destination across 522 hectares with low-impact mobility and ecological corridors. Local Trade & Industry: The “Made in Laos Exhibition 2026” runs Oct 3–11 in Vientiane, featuring 160 companies from 17 provinces and sectors from ODOP goods to services and logistics. Culture & Heritage: New research highlights Laos’ ancient burial jars as a rare 2,000-year natural experiment, where monsoon and dry seasons have shaped long-running ecological conditions inside the stone vessels.

SCO Diplomacy in Bishkek: Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith met SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev after Laos became an SCO Dialogue Partner, with talks focused on trade, agriculture, connectivity, digital transformation and security cooperation. PM Modi’s Security Message: At the SCO summit, India’s PM Narendra Modi urged members to tackle terrorism with “zero tolerance,” calling for dismantling terror financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens, while pushing conflicts to be resolved through dialogue. Bilateral Talks: Modi also met Sisoulith on the sidelines, discussing ways to strengthen India–Laos ties. Flood Response in the North: Luang Namtha authorities appealed for flood aid after flash floods left roads impassable and disrupted power and water. Made in Laos Push: Laos will host the Made in Laos Exhibition 2026 in Vientiane (Oct 3–11), featuring 160 companies from 17 provinces to showcase Lao products and services. Tourism Development: Gensler unveiled a 522-hectare masterplan for “Truthful Hills” near Vang Vieng, aiming for low-impact, nature-led tourism growth. Education Upgrade: A China-aided renovation project for Santiphab Secondary School in Luang Prabang began, adding new teaching buildings and facilities.

Laos–Kyrgyzstan Ties: President Thongloun Sisoulith met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek, with both sides calling it a historic first head-of-state meeting since diplomatic ties began and pledging regular high-level contacts. SCO & Nomad Games: Laos’ leader is attending the SCO+ format and the opening ceremony of the VI World Nomad Games, where leaders from many countries gathered at Bishkek Arena. Digital Investment Push: Laos is identifying digital tech, data centres, AI, IT and fintech as priority areas to attract quality investment for long-term growth. Flood Aftermath in Luang Namtha: Flash-flood waters have receded, but roads remain blocked and power and water are disrupted; authorities are seeking food, clothing and medicines for affected communities. Weather Alert: Laos’ meteorology department warns of possible flash floods and landslides on Sept 1–2, urging residents in high-risk provinces to stay vigilant. Regional Sports: Australia’s Young Socceroos kicked off AFC U20 qualifiers in Vientiane with a 2-0 win over hosts Laos.

Flash Flood Watch: Laos’ Department of Meteorology and Hydrology warns of possible flash floods and landslides on September 1–2, with high-risk areas across the north, central provinces and parts of the south, urging residents to monitor forecasts and water levels. Sports—U20 Qualifiers in Vientiane: Australia’s Young Socceroos opened their AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 qualifiers in Vientiane with a 2-0 win over hosts Laos, while Malaysia and Indonesia played out a 0-0 draw; next matches include Australia vs Laos and Indonesia hosting Laos on Sept 3. Regional Ties—Vietnam National Day: The Vietnamese Embassy in Laos held a banquet in Vientiane to mark the 81st anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s National Day, with Lao officials attending. Economy—Laos Inflation: Laos’ August inflation rose to 7.7%, driven most by housing, utilities and cooking fuel. Climate & Food Security: ACIAR launched FishTech Plus to restore Mekong river connectivity and fisheries across Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, aiming to boost food security. International Spotlight—SCO Summit: Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Plus Summit and the opening of the World Nomad Games.