AGP Executive Report

Myanmar–Laos Diplomacy: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Vientiane for a state-level goodwill visit, meeting Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and holding talks as both sides mark 70 years of diplomatic ties. Parliament Watch: Laos’ National Assembly will hold an extraordinary session from July 6–10 to review the first-half 2026 socio-economic plan, budget and monetary plans, and to debate rural development and poverty reduction priorities. Mekong-Ganga Projects: Laos and India signed an MoU to fund 10 quick impact community projects across 10 Lao provinces under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, including schools, health centres and vocational training. Social Security Digital Push: Laos’ National Social Security Organization ran nationwide training in Vientiane to expand use of the LSSO App and online employer contribution payments. Wildlife Crackdown: Authorities in Luang Prabang seized over 110 kg of suspected illegal wildlife products, including rhino horn, ivory and pangolin scales, and arrested a suspect. Regional Crime Cooperation: Thailand launched a cross-border anti-fraud effort using an information-sharing system with UN and partner countries, targeting scam centres linked to forced participation. ASEAN Science Link: Malaysia says it will prioritise talent development ahead of AMMSTI-23 in 2027, following the decision made in Vientiane last month.

US–Laos Deportation Fight: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s administration is under fire after the Minnesota Board of Pardons granted a full pardon to 42-year-old Tou Lue Vang, a Laotian national convicted in 2006 of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl; US Homeland Security says the pardon came days before he was due for removal and could block deportation, while critics accuse “sanctuary” politics of shielding a child abuser. Border Defence: Vietnam and Laos will hold the third Vietnam–Laos Border Defence Friendship Exchange in Nghe An and Bolikhamsai on July 9–10, marking the 49th anniversary of their 1977 treaty and focusing on joint border activities and cooperation. Regional Health: Laos is pushing malaria elimination progress with partners in a Southeast Asia summit, aiming for a malaria-free status by 2030. Trade & Connectivity: China–Laos Railway trade has topped 90 billion yuan since 2021, with thousands of freight trains boosting cross-border movement. Environment & Resources: Laos plans to release 72 million fish fingerlings in 2026 to restore biodiversity, as part of national conservation efforts.

UN Peacekeeping & Women, Peace and Security: Vietnam shared its experience at the ADMM+ Experts’ Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations in Brunei, focusing on boosting deployment readiness, interoperability, training, and a late-2026 field exercise, while highlighting the growing role of Vietnamese female peacekeepers in community engagement, civilian protection, and humanitarian support. Illegal Timber Trade: A new Environmental Investigation Agency report says illegal timber from Cambodia and Laos continues to enter Vietnam’s supply chains via falsified paperwork, quota manipulation, and intermediary networks, urging tighter verification and stronger independent oversight across the region. China–Laos Railway Trade: Kunming Customs says the China–Laos Railway has handled imports and exports worth 90.28 billion yuan since opening in 2021, with over 22,000 freight trains and a 33.7% jump in the first half of this year. Laos Environment & Weather: Laos plans to release 72 million fish fingerlings nationwide on July 13 to restore aquatic biodiversity, while the weather bureau warns of widespread rainfall from Thursday to Sunday as a tropical storm approaches, with risks of flash floods and landslides. Laos–Korea Diplomacy: Laos awarded a Friendship Medal to outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador Jung Yung-soo for expanding cooperation across politics, security, trade, education, culture, sports, and development. Regional Safety Note: Thailand’s Mukdahan province saw eight monks killed and 14 injured after an 11-year-old crashed a pickup into a pilgrimage group.

ASEAN diplomacy: Myanmar’s junta chief turned president Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit Laos from July 3–5, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties and his first trip to an ASEAN member state since taking office. Bilateral ties: Laos has awarded a Friendship Medal to outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador Jung Yung-soo, praising expanded cooperation across politics, security, trade, education, culture, sports and development. Public health & environment: Laos is preparing to release 72 million fingerlings nationwide on July 13 to restore fish stocks and protect aquatic biodiversity. Disaster updates: Heavy rain has triggered the first reported floods of Laos’ 2026 rainy season in northern provinces, with authorities urging residents in low-lying areas to monitor conditions and move to safer ground. Air & climate policy: A report says an aviation carbon offset scheme could bring major economic value for ASEAN over the next decade, as airlines face tighter offset rules. Regional security: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam are pushing a trilateral liaison mechanism to speed up information sharing and coordination against transnational crime and online scams.

Flood Watch: Heavy rains have triggered the first reported floods of Laos’ 2026 rainy season, with water surging into villages and farmland in northern provinces like Bokeo and Phongsaly, and authorities urging residents to move belongings to higher ground and monitor updates. Aquatic Conservation: Laos is preparing to release 72 million fingerlings nationwide on July 13 to restore fish stocks and protect biodiversity, mobilising dozens of hatcheries and breeding stations. Regional Security: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam are pushing a trilateral security push to tackle online scams and transnational crime, including a plan for a permanent liaison mechanism to speed up information sharing. Diplomatic Ties: Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit Laos from July 3–5, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and aiming to deepen cooperation. Cross-Border Trade: Laos and Vietnam are renewing provincial cooperation for 2026–2029, including action against drug trafficking, human trafficking and smuggling, alongside expanded trade, agriculture and tourism links. Economy & Exports: Laos reports crop and crop-product exports of about US$752 million in the first five months of 2026, while also outlining second-half priorities to strengthen domestic production and reform trade and state enterprises.

Laos Economy Priorities: Laos’ Industry and Commerce ministry reviewed first-half results and set second-half priorities aimed at strengthening the economy, including faster responses to illegal mining and accidents, support for SMEs, trade-system modernization, and pushing domestic production. Food Exports Boost: Laos’ Agriculture and Environment ministry said crop and crop-product exports hit about $752 million in the first five months of 2026, with bananas, cassava products, watermelon and coffee leading, alongside growth in livestock and timber-related exports. Tax Relief for Workers: Laos raised the monthly income exempt from personal income tax from LAK 1.3 million to LAK 2.5 million, giving lower earners more room while keeping the same progressive tax rates. Cross-Border Security Push: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet urged Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to intensify trilateral cooperation against online scams and transnational crime after a second ministerial meeting involving public security ministries. Digital Trust for Trade: A Frost & Sullivan report says governments including Laos and Vietnam are moving toward digital trust infrastructure so digital signatures can be accepted for cross-border trade. Climate Cooperation: China highlighted a Vientiane Saysettha low-carbon demonstration zone, saying solar and clean-energy equipment delivered there is expected to cut emissions by more than 1,200 tons annually. Regional Partnerships: Laos and Vietnam’s Oudomxay and Son La provinces signed a 2026–2029 cooperation deal targeting transnational crime, drugs and smuggling, while Laos and Cuba renewed sports and physical education cooperation.

Cross-Border Security and Trade: Oudomxay and Vietnam’s Son La signed a new 2026–2029 cooperation deal, aiming to deepen ties in public administration, defense and security, and to step up joint efforts against transnational crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and smuggling, while also boosting trade, investment, agriculture/forestry and tourism links. Sports Diplomacy: Laos and Cuba renewed their sports partnership with a new MoU to expand cooperation in sports and physical education, including exchanges of knowledge and technical expertise, building on Cuba’s past scholarship support for Lao students. Regional Visits: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing will visit Laos from July 3–5 for talks tied to the 70th anniversary of Laos–Myanmar diplomatic relations, with both sides expected to further strengthen cooperation. Party-to-Party Ties: The LPRP sent a congratulatory message to China’s CPC on its 105th founding anniversary, highlighting achievements under CPC leadership and the new era of Chinese modernization. Economy Watch: Laos’ inflation eased to 7.4% in June, down from 9.0% in May, with housing, water, electricity and gas still the biggest contributor. UXO Conference Prep: Laos is stepping up preparations for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane (Sept 13–18, 2026), including technical consultations and stakeholder briefings.

Transboundary Haze Alert: Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone warned that forest fires and haze are major threats across the Mekong as governments step up cross-border action after rising hotspots and hotter-than-usual weather. Inflation Watch: Laos’ annual inflation eased to 7.4% in June, down from 9.0% in May, with housing, utilities and gas still the biggest driver. UXO and Diplomacy: Laos is ramping up preparations for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (Sept 13–18, 2026) in Vientiane, with plans to fold in people-centred UXO action and wider issues like climate, gender and disability rights. Media and Education: Laos highlighted the growing role of media in national development and public trust, especially for improving basic education access amid economic pressures. Korea Ties: Laos’ Vice President received a farewell call from outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador Jung Yung-soo, praising expanded cooperation under the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership. Regional Security: Laos was among countries meeting in Manila to strengthen information sharing and joint responses against piracy and sea robbery. Digital Tourism: Thailand is pushing easier cross-border QR payments for visitors, including from Laos, to boost spending without currency exchange. Condolences: Laos sent condolences to Venezuela after a deadly earthquake struck earlier this month.

Transboundary Haze: Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone warned that forest fires and haze are a growing Greater Mekong threat, as a June 25 meeting in Vientiane noted hotspot counts rose about 8% from Dec 2025–May 2026, with El Niño risks looming. Digital Payments for Tourism: Thailand is pushing “Pay Like a Local” cross-border QR payments, letting visitors from Laos and other countries pay Thai merchants via home apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Drug Abuse Push: Laos marked International Day Against Drug Abuse with calls for stronger national action, as regional anti-drug efforts also spotlighted frontline work near the Myanmar–Laos–Thailand routes. Cybercrime & Scams: Reports highlight how organised scam centres across Southeast Asia rely on forced labour and “pig-butchering” tactics, with Laos named among affected locations. Laos–Vietnam Business: Vietnamese and Lao firms signed a strategic deal for a major real estate project in the Long Thanh–Vientiane SEZ, backed by a 99-year land lease and foreign ownership and visa incentives. Wildlife Trafficking Online: AFP reports rampant illegal wildlife sales on social media, including dead pangolins advertised for sale, raising pressure on platform enforcement. EV Demand: China’s EV exports hit a record $9.2bn in May, with Southeast Asia— including Laos—boosting imports as electrification policies expand.

Drug Abuse & Trafficking: Laos marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse with renewed calls for stronger national action as regional reports warn that heroin supplies may keep flowing despite Afghanistan’s poppy ban, driven by large pre-ban stockpiles and a fast shift toward synthetic drugs. Cyber Scams & Human Trafficking: A Pacific-focused security warning highlights how scam compounds across Southeast Asia—including Laos—use forced labour and “pig butchering” tactics, with victims often lured by fake jobs and coerced into fraud. Regional Border Security: Indonesia and Australia agreed to tighten ASEAN border cooperation through intelligence sharing, immigration coordination and cybersecurity, pointing to growing irregular migration, trafficking and online scam risks in Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines. Diplomacy: Laos extended condolences to Venezuela after major earthquakes, reaffirming solidarity and support for recovery. Economy & Aviation: Laos-linked regional developments include COMAC’s C909 jet hitting 10 years of commercial service, now operating across Laos and Vietnam, while Laos’ inflation eased to 7.4% in June. Mining: Laos’ vice president visited Khammouane mining firms, urging environmentally sustainable operations and continued investment.

Regional Aviation Milestone: COMAC marked 10 years of commercial service for China’s C909 regional jet, now in service with 186 aircraft and about 70% of China’s regional fleet, flying over 860 routes and carrying 37 million passengers. EV Push Meets Infrastructure Gap: Iran war-linked fuel shocks are accelerating EV demand in developing markets, including Southeast Asia, but charging networks are lagging behind the import surge. Drug Trade Pressure: UN reporting says Afghanistan’s opium stockpiles—built before the Taliban ban—are still sustaining the global heroin market through 2026, even as cultivation collapses; meanwhile India warns Myanmar’s expanded opium cultivation is driving a growing cross-border drug threat. Laos Economy Update: Laos inflation eased to 7.4% in June, down from 9%, with housing and utilities the biggest price driver. Laos Diplomacy: Laos extended condolences to Venezuela after the June 24 earthquakes. STI Cooperation in Vientiane: Thailand proposed an ASEAN CHIPS Act to build a more integrated regional semiconductor ecosystem, while ASEAN-Japan partners reaffirmed STI cooperation in Vientiane. Border & Scam Security: Indonesia and Australia discussed stronger ASEAN-Australia border security cooperation, including intelligence sharing and cybersecurity, as Laos and others flag irregular migration, trafficking, and online scams. Mining Focus: Laos’ Vice President visited potash mining firms in Khammouane, urging greener operations and continued investment.

ASEAN Science & Tech: Thailand has proposed an ASEAN CHIPS Act to build a more unified regional semiconductor ecosystem, with plans for shared research, common standards and an ASEAN Semiconductor Council, presented at the AMMSTI-22 meeting in Vientiane. Regional Security: Indonesia and Australia agreed to strengthen ASEAN-Australia border security cooperation, including intelligence sharing and cybersecurity, as Laos and others flagged rising risks from irregular migration, trafficking and online scams. Drug Fight at Home: Laos marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone calling for stronger national action, including tougher enforcement, rehabilitation and community participation. Economy Watch: Laos’ inflation eased to 7.4% in June, down from 9% in May, with the biggest price rises in housing, water, electricity and gas. Diplomacy: Laos extended condolences to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes, and the Lao Vice President visited Khammouane mining firms to encourage greener, sustainable investment. Business & Agriculture: AgroBerries announced a 150-hectare blueberry project in Laos, with first commercial volumes expected in Q4 2026.

Drug Abuse & Trafficking: Laos marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse with a call for stronger national action, as Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone urged tighter law enforcement, public awareness, rehabilitation and community cooperation. Regional Security: Indonesia and Australia agreed to deepen border security with intelligence sharing, immigration coordination and cybersecurity work, with Laos among countries flagging irregular migration, trafficking and online scams. Economy Watch: Laos’ inflation eased to 7.4% in June, down from 9%, with housing and utilities still the fastest-rising category. Mining & Industry: Lao Vice President Vienthong Siphandone visited Khammouane mining firms, urging environmentally sustainable operations and local jobs. Science & Innovation: Malaysia pushed for a more integrated ASEAN science, technology and innovation ecosystem at a Vientiane ministerial meeting, while ASEAN and Korea also reaffirmed STI cooperation. Agribusiness: AgroBerries announced a 150-hectare blueberry project in Laos, targeting first commercial volumes in Q4 2026. Diplomacy: Laos extended condolences to Venezuela after major earthquakes and also paid tribute to Timor-Leste’s late former president.

ASEAN STI Push in Vientiane: Malaysia urged ASEAN to build a more integrated, mission-driven science, technology and innovation ecosystem to tackle energy transition, food security, public health and climate resilience, as ministers met in Vientiane. Regional Science Partnerships: Vietnam reaffirmed support for ASEAN STI cooperation, calling for joint research on water security, climate-resilient agriculture and the green energy transition, while ASEAN also met Japan and the Republic of Korea to expand STI work plans and digital transformation. Laos Inflation Eases: Laos’ inflation slowed to 7.4% in June from 9% in May, with the biggest price rise in housing, water, electricity and gas. Drug Fight Focus: On International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Laos’ Prime Minister reiterated stronger law enforcement, public awareness, alternative livelihoods, and rehab and treatment efforts. Laos–Thailand Border Milestone: Laos and Thailand inaugurated a special border marker at Nam Ngeun–Huai Kon to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties and continued border cooperation. Fuel Tax Returns to Normal: Laos restored higher fuel excise taxes as emergency cuts ended, updating Vientiane retail prices for gasoline and diesel. Mekong Crime Cooperation: South Korea met Mekong nations to expand cooperation against transnational crimes, including advanced technologies and economic security. Business in Laos: AgroBerries announced a 150-hectare blueberry project in Laos, with first commercial volumes expected in Q4 2026.

Fuel & Cost of Living: Laos reinstated higher fuel excise taxes as emergency relief ended, with retail prices revised nationwide on June 25—regular gasoline up to LAK 30,690/litre and diesel to LAK 24,560/litre. Border & Diplomacy: Laos and Thailand unveiled a special border marker at Nam Ngeun–Huai Kon checkpoint to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations and reaffirm a zone of peace along their border. Drug Fight: On International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone reiterated the government’s push against drug production, trafficking and abuse, calling for tighter enforcement and community action. Scam Crackdown: Laos arrested nearly 900 people linked to scam centers since early June, including the handover of 170 Chinese suspects to Chinese authorities. Regional Science Cooperation: ASEAN and China reaffirmed STI cooperation in Vientiane, while ASEAN and South Korea also advanced joint science and innovation plans. Laos–Vietnam Ties: Vietnam and Laos audit agencies agreed to deepen cooperation on digital transformation and modernising audit work. Culture & Events: Fête de la Musique 2026 returns to the Institut Français du Laos with free public concerts from June 26–28.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Thailand says border scam cases and losses have fallen sharply after arrests and raids, but warns the problem needs cross-border cooperation; Laos–Japan Cooperation: Laos and Japan signed notes for the JDS human resource scholarship worth 378 million JPY, with Japan backing hundreds of Lao officials’ graduate studies; ASEAN Sci-Tech Push: Laos hosted ASEAN-Japan and ASEAN–RoK science and technology committee meetings, while ASEAN and China also pledged deeper STI cooperation in Vientiane; Fuel Prices Update: Laos revised nationwide retail fuel prices from June 25, cutting diesel to 24,560 kip/litre while petrol rises to 30,690 kip/litre; Education & Literacy: MoES with Australia’s BEQUAL held a Vientiane conference on early Lao language and literacy for multilingual classrooms; Border Security: Vietnam and Laos conducted a joint border patrol to check markers and curb smuggling and illegal crossings; Governance Review: Laos’ Prime Minister urged stronger governance and faster public administration following a five-year performance review.