AGP Executive Report

Digital Tourism Push: Laos has launched the Lao Travel Platform, a “Digital Gateway to Laos” that bundles destination info and lets users book stays, transport, and even SIM/eSIM services, as the country targets 43 million visitors from 2026-2030. Cluster Munitions & UXO: Laos wrapped up the 3rd Review Conference on the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, adopting a Vientiane Action Plan for 2027-2031 to expand clearance, victim support, and cooperation. High-Level Vietnam Ties: Vietnam’s Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc visited Laos to deepen cooperation in defence, connectivity, education, and preparations for major 2027 anniversary events. Lao-Austria Cooperation: Laos and Austria discussed expanding trade, investment, tourism, and support for Laos’ LDC graduation plans. Mekong Water Data: China highlighted decades of hydrological data sharing with the Mekong River Commission to improve flood and drought preparedness. Energy Tech for Laos: At the China-ASEAN Expo, China Southern Power Grid showcased a Lao-language AI model for power-line inspections, including defect detection from thousands of drone images. Sports & Security: Indonesia deployed 5,641 police for the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Jakarta and Bandung.

Cluster Munitions: Laos wrapped up the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, adopting a five-year plan to speed up unexploded ordnance clearance, boost victim support, and deepen international cooperation. Maternal and Child Health: The Lao government and development partners launched a new phase of a joint programme to strengthen reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services nationwide. Lao-Chinese Ties: A mini marathon and fun run in Vientiane marked the 35th anniversary of Laos’ Constitution and 65 years of Lao-Chinese diplomatic relations, with funds raised for people affected by natural disasters. Regional Connectivity: China’s Pinglu Canal officially opened, promising lower logistics costs and a stronger physical trade link between China’s inland waterways and ASEAN via the Beibu Gulf. China-ASEAN AI: A China-ASEAN AI forum in Nanning drew over 700 delegates, focusing on AI for industries, digitalization, and practical cooperation. Diplomatic Voting: The Russian Embassy in Vientiane opened an overseas polling station for Russian citizens to vote in Russia’s 2026 election cycle. Education Support: Vietnam broke ground on a Khammouane provincial boarding school for ethnic minority students, funded by a non-refundable grant and set to serve up to 2,000 learners.

Russian Voting Abroad: The Russian Embassy in Vientiane opened a polling station for Russian citizens to vote in Russia’s 2026 elections, with voting running Sept 18–20 and the ambassador saying overseas voting is a constitutional right. China-ASEAN Connectivity: China’s Pinglu Canal officially opened to navigation, cutting southwest inland shipping distance by over 560 km and aiming to lower logistics costs, boosting trade links with ASEAN including Laos via regional corridors. Regional Trade Rules: ASEAN signatories, including Laos, agreed to allow voluntary provisional application of the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Second Protocol among states ready to implement it ahead of June 2027. Education Cooperation: Vietnam broke ground in Khammouane for a provincial boarding school for ethnic minority students, funded by a non-refundable Vietnamese grant, targeting 1,700–2,000 students by 2028–2029. Disaster Response Skills: A regional urban search-and-rescue forum highlighted faster, safer disaster assessments using robotic tools like drones and robot dogs, with lessons shared across countries. Cluster Munitions: Laos’ presidency at a cluster munitions review conference continues to draw attention as the wider region pushes for UXO clearance and victim support.

ASEAN Trade: Laos is among signatories that have agreed to let the upgraded Second Protocol to amend ATIGA be applied provisionally on a voluntary, reciprocal basis ahead of its June 2027 entry into force, aiming to speed up regional goods trade. China-Laos Medical Cooperation: The “Peace Train-2026” medical team held academic exchanges and medical services across Laos, including Vientiane, Pakse, Savannakhet and Attapeu, drawing 1,600 participants and focusing on emergency care and disaster medical rescue. Cluster Munitions: Laos has wrapped up its presidency of 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. Cybercrime Crackdown: Laos handed 129 Thai nationals (57 women) to Thai authorities at the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge after arrests linked to suspected cybercrime and illegal online gambling. Trade and Connectivity: Laos is pushing opportunities under CAFTA 3.0 at the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, with Sekong Province highlighted as a “City of Charm” and a focus on standards, logistics and digital tools for Lao businesses.

Cluster Munitions: Laos wrapped up the Third Review Conference on the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, adopting a new Vientiane Action Plan for 2027–2031 and renewing commitments to accelerate progress. UXO Reality Check: Laos says about 80 million unexploded cluster submunitions still threaten communities, with clearance potentially taking hundreds of years without faster action. Cross-Border Crime: Lao authorities handed 129 Thai nationals to Thailand at the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge after arrests tied to cybercrime and illegal online gambling. Regional Trade & Connectivity: 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 tools for Lao firms. El Niño Watch: Asia braces for a potentially “supersized” El Niño, with warnings of major impacts on food, water, and disaster risks. Disaster Response Tech: Malaysia says it’s digitalising disaster management and looking to apply AI, drones, and robotics for faster urban emergency rescue coordination.

Cluster Munitions: Laos wrapped up the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, adopting a new Vientiane Action Plan for 2027–2031 and urging faster progress toward a world free of the weapons. UXO Threat: Officials warned that about 80 million unexploded cluster submunitions still threaten Laos, with clearance potentially taking hundreds of years at current pace. US–Laos Humanitarian Push: U.S. Senator Peter Welch filed a Congressional Record statement highlighting the long-term civilian harm from U.S. cluster munitions and called for more resources for clearance. Health Cooperation: Laos and partners launched Phase IV of a UN joint program to strengthen reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, building on gains in mortality reduction and skilled birth attendance. Cybercrime Crackdown: Lao authorities handed 129 Thai nationals to Thailand at the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge over suspected cybercrime and illegal online gambling. CAEXPO Trade Drive: At the China-ASEAN Expo, Laos promoted CAFTA 3.0 opportunities, with a focus on standards, logistics, and expanding exports and investment links. Diplomatic Note: The U.S. Embassy in Accra welcomed a new Public Affairs Officer, with prior experience that included a posting in Vientiane.

Health Cooperation: Laos and development partners launched Phase IV of the UN joint RMNCAH programme to strengthen reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services nationwide, building on earlier gains in neonatal and under-five mortality. Border Security: Lao and Vietnamese prosecutors and law-enforcement agencies met in Da Nang to improve coordination on mutual legal assistance in criminal cases, targeting cross-border crimes like drug trafficking and money laundering. Disaster Response Tech: Malaysia’s fire and rescue department is pushing digitalisation to speed up disaster decision-making, with plans to use AI and data-sharing—an approach it hopes to adapt from a China-Laos-Malaysia workshop. Laos–China Diplomacy: Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay met China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on the sidelines of the China-ASEAN Expo, agreeing to turn leader-level deals into cooperation on connectivity, rural development, poverty reduction and public health. Regional Waterways: The newly opened Pinglu Canal is being framed as a major boost for China–ASEAN trade by cutting shipping distances and logistics costs, with wider implications for regional connectivity. Sports (Regional Interest): Laos appears in Asian Games teqball schedules, while Laos also featured in India’s soft tennis group match results.

African Swine Fever Response: Laos has ordered urgent nationwide measures to curb African Swine Fever, including a ban on moving pigs and pork between provinces and districts and a prohibition on imports, with surveillance, support for farmers and possible emergency funding being coordinated by the agriculture ministry. Mine Action & UXO Safety: At the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, Laos and international delegates focused on risk education, victim assistance and community participation, with Lao teams reporting UXO safety outreach reaching hundreds of villages and more than half a million people in 2026. China-ASEAN Trade Push: China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang opened the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo and Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, urging progress on CAFTA 3.0 and deeper cooperation on digital economy and AI-enabled trade. Laos–Vietnam Border Cooperation: A Lao province and Da Nang agreed to keep implementing cooperation plans on education, health, trade and border management, with continued support for training and practical benefits for border communities. Sports Spotlight: Laos is in the spotlight through regional sports links as India’s Asian Games campaign includes matches against Laos in soft tennis, while teqball and women’s cricket action continues in Nagoya. Business & Finance: Umoney, a Laos digital finance platform, received recognition at the Asian Technology Excellence Awards, highlighting its growing user base and nationwide agent network. Legal Update: A US court revived Laos’ bid to enforce about $5 million in arbitral awards in a casino-related case, sending the matter back for closer review.

Drug Controls: The US President has named 23 major drug transit or illicit drug producing countries for fiscal year 2027, including Laos, in a formal determination to Congress. Livestock Health: Laos has rolled out nationwide African Swine Fever (ASF) curbs, ordering bans on moving pigs and pork between provinces and prohibiting imports, while ramping up surveillance and support for affected farmers. UXO/Cluster Munitions: Laos is using the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane to push risk education, victim assistance and community participation, with clearance work reported across 13 provinces and large-scale destruction of UXO items. Trade & Diplomacy: Laos is showcasing products and investment opportunities at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, where Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang urged progress toward a higher-standard China-ASEAN FTA. Labour Policy: Laos has suspended new work permits and labour visas for Bangladeshi nationals for the rest of 2026 amid concerns about illegal entry. Tech & Connectivity: GalaxySpace completed a first satellite internet trial in Laos, demonstrating live high-definition audio and video calls via its Mini-Spider system.

UXO and victim support in Laos: Laos says UXO clearance and assistance are ongoing across 13 provinces, with risk education, survey and clearance, victim support and information management at the core, as officials aim to keep annual casualties below a target of 38. Labour controls: Laos has suspended new work permits and labour hiring for Bangladeshi nationals through end-2026, citing illegal entry, human smuggling and unauthorised recruitment, with exemptions for priority projects. Cybercrime crackdown: Vietnam and Laos coordinated to dismantle a transnational online fraud ring in Bokeo, arresting 91 people and seizing computers and phones. Cross-border connectivity: The China-Laos Railway reported strong trade growth in the first eight months of 2026, with cargo volume and value up sharply, led by tropical fruit imports and fast-growing exports like solar panels and batteries. Satellite trial: GalaxySpace completed Laos’s first low-Earth-orbit satellite internet trial, supporting a live HD call during a Sept 15 demonstration. Regional diplomacy: Laos and Russia agreed a draft treaty to protect citizens’ rights under international law.

Laos Labour Crackdown: Laos has suspended approval of new work permits, labour import plans and labour projects for Bangladeshi nationals nationwide from 1 September through end-2026, citing concerns over illegal entry, human smuggling and unauthorised recruitment. Cybercrime Sweep: In Vientiane Capital, authorities arrested 167 people in raids targeting online scams and illegal gambling in the first half of September, including cases at a hotel and rented houses, with large seizures of devices and drugs. Cluster Munitions & UXO Work: As the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions continues in Vientiane, Laos highlighted UXO clearance efforts and humanitarian risk education, while Timor-Leste signed a declaration to accede to the treaty. Education Support: Japan granted US$119,711 to build a new lower secondary school building in Houaphanh’s Sam Tai District. Wildlife Health: Laos and WCS signed an MoU to strengthen wildlife disease surveillance to reduce zoonotic risks, with a project funded through 2028. Regional Diplomacy: Malaysia said it may invite Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing to speed Rohingya repatriation, offering a diplomatic route amid ASEAN’s reluctance to engage directly.

Cluster Munitions Review in Vientiane: Laos is urging global action as the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions continues, with officials highlighting humanitarian impacts and progress on UXO clearance. Humanitarian UXO Work: The Lao People’s Army’s Centre 523 says it runs nationwide UXO risk education, surveys, clearance and emergency disposal, including major destruction of UXO items in 2025. Wildlife Health Cooperation: Laos and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) signed an MoU to strengthen wildlife disease surveillance and cut zoonotic risks, with a US$526,188 grant for work in Savannakhet through 2028. Legal Protection Treaty: Laos and Russia reached consensus on a draft treaty for mutual protection of citizens, covering 19 articles including scope, requests, immunities and implementation. Diplomacy at the Conference: Deputy PM and FM Thongsavanh Phomvihane hosted foreign delegation heads, including Vietnam and Thailand, to coordinate CCM cooperation and upcoming friendship-year preparations. Energy and Power Security: Laos and a Chinese firm agreed to study battery energy storage to help manage a growing solar and wind system. Regional Connectivity: Laos is also pushing the Greater Mekong corridor agenda, with a forum in Vientiane focused on turning connectivity plans into practical projects.

Cluster Munitions & UXO: Laos urged stronger global action to address cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance, saying healing war wounds needs shared humanitarian responsibility as it hosts the Third Review Conference in Vientiane and highlights UXO clearance visits near Luang Prabang. Connectivity & Regional Planning: Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia discussed strategic infrastructure connectivity, while Laos also pushed the Greater Mekong Subregion economic corridor agenda through its 14th GMS Economic Corridors Forum. Energy Cooperation: Laos and Chinese firms will study battery energy storage to help manage Laos’s power supply as variable renewables expand; separately, Laos–Vietnam audit bodies strengthened regional cooperation. China–Laos Ties: China provided US$20,000 emergency aid for flood-affected northern Laos communities, and Chinese and Lao defense leaders held talks alongside ongoing “Peace Train-2026” humanitarian drills. Visa/Travel Watch: Thailand’s revised visa rules took effect, with new limits and residency proof requirements affecting some applicants, including those applying via Vientiane.

Cluster Munitions Conference: Laos is hosting the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, with Vietnam backing stronger civilian protection and mine action efforts. Regional Connectivity: The 14th GMS Economic Corridors Forum is underway in Vientiane, pushing corridor plans into practical projects for trade and inclusive growth. Humanitarian Aid: China has provided US$20,000 in emergency assistance for flood-affected communities in northern Laos, to support food, essentials, medicines and repairs. Security and Defence Ties: China’s defence minister met Lao counterparts in Beijing, while joint “Peace Train-2026” drills in Vientiane continue with a focus on humanitarian assistance and medical services. Trade Watch: The US has finalized steep anti-dumping and countervailing duties on crystalline silicon solar cells imported from India, Indonesia and Laos, raising costs for the US market. Power Reality Check: Reports highlight Laos’ power paradox—exports to Thailand and Vietnam are booming, but blackouts persist at home. Mines and Safety Training: Anadolu launched its 30th War Journalism Training Program, with journalists from Laos among participants, covering first aid, mines, survival and protection from FPV drones.

Cluster Munitions Review: The Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions opened in Vientiane today, chaired by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane, as Laos pushes to tackle the country’s long-running UXO legacy. Humanitarian Pressure: Ahead of the meeting, a new global report says cluster munitions killed or injured at least 1,063 people worldwide in 2025, with civilians making up 87% of casualties—campaigners say the treaty’s norms are being tested again. Power Reliability: A new report highlights a painful gap in Laos’ “Battery of Southeast Asia” image: frequent outages in Vientiane are disrupting hospitals and clinics even as electricity exports surge. Thailand Travel Update: Thailand’s revised visa-free rules take effect Sept 15, with Laos citizens still eligible for up to 30 days visa-free, while Cambodia and Myanmar get shorter stays. US Solar Duties: The US finalized steep anti-dumping and countervailing duties on solar cells and panels imported from India, Indonesia and Laos, citing dumping and subsidies. Clean Energy Link: Laos and Hong Kong are strengthening clean energy cooperation, including a new feasibility study on battery energy storage. Weather Watch: Laos is urged to stay alert as a Vietnam low may strengthen monsoon rains, raising flash-flood and landslide risks in parts of the northeast.

Cluster Munitions Ban Under Test in Laos: The Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions opens in Vientiane on Sept 14-18 as new reports warn of ongoing civilian harm, with the Cluster Munition Monitor 2026 saying cluster munitions killed or injured at least 1,063 people worldwide in 2025 and civilians made up 87% of casualties. Power Reliability in Focus: A new AFP report highlights how Laos’ “Battery of Southeast Asia” image clashes with frequent outages in Vientiane, disrupting hospitals and clinics and sometimes forcing electricity imports. China–Laos “Peace Train-2026” Drills: A joint humanitarian medical rescue exercise in Vientiane moves into full-process drills, using drones, unmanned vehicles and a medical train with AI-enabled command and decision support. US Solar Trade Pressure on Laos: The US finalised steep anti-dumping and countervailing duties on solar cells and panels from India, Indonesia and Laos, with the US International Trade Commission set to rule on injury on Oct 14. Laos at Eurovision Asia 2026: VTE9 confirms Thinla as Laos’ internal pick for Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 in Bangkok, with a selection show scheduled for Sept 23-24.