AGP Executive Report

Anti-Scam Cooperation: Laos is stepping up regional and international coordination to fight money laundering tied to scam centers, with a Vientiane seminar bringing together Thai diplomats, UNODC, Lao agencies, banks, and investigators to tackle cross-border fraud methods including digital tools, crypto, and mule accounts. Rural Development Push: The government has launched a National Agenda for Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (2027–2030), chaired by PM Sonexay Siphandone, aiming to lift over 100,000 families out of poverty, cut the poverty rate to a single digit, and raise grassroots administration, jobs, and rural infrastructure. Judicial Fairness: LPRP General Vilay Lakhamphong called for stronger, lawful and fair judicial proceedings, emphasizing ethics and integrity for law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and officials. Party-to-Party Ties: A high-ranking Lao delegation met Vietnam’s CPV leadership in Hanoi, reaffirming the “special solidarity” and expanding cooperation across political, governance, and development areas. Diplomatic/Institutional Moves: Vietnam’s Deputy PM Pham Gia Tuc visited Laos to review bilateral cooperation and inspect the National Population Database and Citizen ID project. Public Security/Regional Meetings: A Lao delegation arrived in Cambodia for ICCOS-2026 on breaking the chain of online scams. Energy & Infrastructure: A 100MW solar project in Bolikhamxay is moving forward after community consultations, as Laos expands renewable power.

Rural Development Push: Laos officially launched its National Agenda for Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (2027–2030), chaired by PM Sonexay Siphandone, aiming to lift 100,000+ families out of poverty, cut the national poverty rate to single digits, and upgrade rural jobs, social protection, and infrastructure. Vietnam Ties Deepen: In Vientiane, Vietnamese Permanent Deputy PM Pham Gia Tuc met Lao leaders and toured the National Population Database and Citizen ID project, while Laos and Vietnam reviewed 2026 cooperation and highlighted connectivity projects like the Vientiane–Hanoi expressway and Vientiane–Vung Ang railway. Digital Tourism Upgrade: Laos rolled out a Lao Travel Platform to centralize destination info and bookings, as the country targets 43 million visitors from 2026–2030. UXO/Cluster Munitions Focus: Laos wrapped up its Third Review Conference on Cluster Munitions with a five-year plan for unexploded ordnance clearance and victim assistance. National & Public Life: Laos relocated and enshrined the King Anouvong statue at Anouvong Stadium as renovations near completion, and LFNC-backed aid delivered 100 tons of rice and 200 million kip to flood-hit Champasak families.

Digital Governance & Tourism: Laos launched the Lao Travel Platform, a “Digital Gateway to Laos” that bundles destination info with booking for stays, transport tickets, car rentals, and even tourist SIM/eSIM services, as the country targets 43 million visitors from 2026–2030. Bilateral Diplomacy: Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy PM Pham Gia Tuc arrived in Vientiane for an official visit to deepen the Laos–Vietnam strategic partnership. UN Engagement: Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane will lead a high-level delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly in New York (Sept. 21–26). Cluster Munitions & UXO Policy: Laos wrapped the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, adopting a five-year plan and a Vientiane Action Plan (2027–2031) to expand clearance, victim assistance, and funding. Disaster Relief & Party-State Outreach: LFNC President Kikeo Khaykhamphithoun delivered 100 tons of rice and 200 million kip to Champasak flood victims. Anti-Corruption: Champasak authorities prosecuted 37 people for corruption-related offenses from 2021–2025. Energy & Tech Cooperation: At the China-ASEAN Expo, China Southern Power Grid showcased a Lao-language AI model for power-sector inspection and cybersecurity monitoring. International Voting: Russia opened an overseas polling station at its Vientiane embassy for Russian citizens during the 2026 election cycle.

Cluster Munitions: Laos wrapped up the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane (Sept 14–18), adopting three outcome documents including the Vientiane Action Plan 2027–2031, with a roadmap for expanding membership and implementing 43 actions. UXO/Mine Action: The same conference highlighted Laos’ long-running UXO clearance push and the need for sustained domestic resources plus predictable external funding. Regional Trade Rules: ASEAN signatories, including Laos, agreed to allow the provisional early application of the Second Protocol to amend ATIGA among willing members ahead of its June 2027 entry into force. Cross-Border Health & Security: The China-Laos “Peace Train-2026” medical team ran academic exchanges and clinical services across Vientiane, Pakse, Savannakhet and Attapeu, while Laos and Vietnam also continued cooperation to strengthen health services and medical support. Education Cooperation: Vietnam funded a new Khammouane provincial boarding school for ethnic minority students, aiming to serve 1,700–2,000 learners by 2028–2029. Diplomatic/Consular Voting: Russia opened a polling station at its Vientiane embassy for Russian citizens voting in Russia’s 2026 election cycle (Sept 18–20).

Cluster Munitions & UXO: At Laos’ 3rd Review Conference on the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, officials warned that an estimated 80 million unexploded cluster submunitions still threaten communities, with clearance potentially taking centuries at current pace. U.S. Congressional Pressure: U.S. Senator Peter Welch filed a statement to the Congressional Record urging far more resources for Laos’ UXO/cluster-munitions cleanup, citing decades of civilian harm and ongoing contamination. Cross-Border Security: Laos handed 129 Thai nationals (including 57 women) to Thai authorities at the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge after arrests tied to suspected cybercrime and illegal online gambling networks. Transport Infrastructure: A new MOU was signed to study, design, build and maintain a 75.212-kilometre stretch of National Road 13 South in Savannakhet, supporting the government’s highway upgrade push. Health & Military Cooperation: The China-Laos “Peace Train-2026” medical team ran academic exchanges and services across Vientiane, Pakse, Savannakhet and Attapeu, drawing 1,600+ participants from Lao military medical institutions and cadets. Regional Trade Policy: ASEAN signatories, including Laos, agreed to allow voluntary provisional early application of the upgraded ATIGA Second Protocol among ready members ahead of its June 2027 entry into force. China-ASEAN Connectivity: The Pinglu Canal opened in China, touted as a new river-sea corridor to cut logistics costs and strengthen China-ASEAN trade links—relevant to Laos’ CAFTA 3.0 connectivity goals.

Cluster Munitions Diplomacy: Laos wrapped up its presidency of the 3rd Review Conference on the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, adopting a Review Document, a Political Declaration, and a new Vientiane Action Plan for 2027–2031, as delegates pushed for faster progress toward a world free of the weapons. UXO Reality Check: Laos’ National Regulatory Authority said about 80 million unexploded cluster submunitions remain nationwide, with clearance at current rates potentially taking hundreds of years—keeping pressure on funding and capacity. Cross-Border Crime Enforcement: Laos handed over 129 Thai nationals (including 57 women) to Thailand after raids tied to suspected cybercrime and illegal online gambling, with both sides citing legal procedures and bilateral cooperation. Infrastructure & Connectivity: A new MOU was signed to study, design, build and maintain a 75.212-km section of National Road 13 South in Savannakhet, aiming to upgrade a key corridor near the Saravane border. Trade & Investment Push: At the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo, Laos highlighted CAFTA 3.0 opportunities, with Sekong Province selected as “City of Charm,” while officials stressed that standards, certification, and logistics will decide whether Lao firms can scale into China. Regional Transport Demand: China reported a record high in railway passenger trips and rising cross-border rail travel, including sharp growth on the China–Laos Railway.

Cluster Munitions Diplomacy: Laos wrapped up its presidency of the 3rd Review Conference on the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, adopting a Review Document, a Political Declaration, and a new Vientiane Action Plan for 2027–2031, with heavy focus on domestic financing and survivor participation. UXO Reality Check: Laos also reiterated the scale of the legacy threat: an estimated 80 million unexploded cluster submunitions remain, and clearance at current rates could take hundreds of years. Road Upgrade in Savannakhet: A new MOU was signed to study, design, build and maintain a 75.212-km stretch of National Road 13 South (Km 35 to the Xebangnouan Bridge) under the government’s highway upgrade push. Cross-Border Security: Lao authorities handed over 129 Thai nationals to Thailand after arrests tied to suspected cybercrime and illegal online gambling, carried out at the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. Trade & Connectivity: At CAEXPO 2026, Laos highlighted CAFTA 3.0 opportunities for trade, investment and connectivity, while regional partners promoted digital and green border commerce. Disaster Response Tech: Regional emergency rescue coordination featured calls for faster, people-centred preparedness and smarter use of data, early warning and AI-enabled response.

Cluster Munitions Diplomacy: Laos 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 new Vientiane Action Plan for 2027–2031. UXO Reality Check: Laos says about 80 million unexploded cluster submunitions still threaten the country, with clearance potentially taking hundreds of years at current rates. Humanitarian Pressure on Washington: U.S. Senator Peter Welch filed a Congressional Record statement urging more U.S. resources for Laos’ long-running cluster-munitions fallout. Infrastructure & Investment: Savannakhet signed an MOU to study, design, build and maintain a 75.212-km stretch of National Road 13 South, linking to the Saravane border area. Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: Lao authorities handed 129 Thai nationals to Thailand at the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge after raids tied to cybercrime and illegal online gambling. Regional Security Watch: A UN-linked report says Laos and other countries have taken steps against allegations involving North Korean illicit IT workers. Health Systems: Laos and partners launched Phase IV of a joint RMNCAH program to strengthen reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services.

Maternal health push: The Lao government and Luxembourg, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO launched Phase IV of the UN joint RMNCAH programme to strengthen reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services nationwide, backing Laos’ 2026–2030 strategy and action plan. UXO planning: Lao Army UXO clearance leaders say the sector is preparing its second 10-year strategy (2027–2036), aiming to speed survey and clearance with new tools, reduce reliance on donor funding, and build Lao capacity to act as regional experts. Laos–China ties: Deputy PM Saleumxay Kommasith met China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang to push forward cooperation across connectivity, rural development, poverty reduction, public health, education and culture under the Laos–China shared-future framework. Border justice cooperation: Vietnam and Laos met to improve coordination between central agencies and border provinces on mutual legal assistance in criminal cases, targeting cross-border crimes like drugs, trafficking, money laundering and cybercrime. Disaster response tech: Laos co-chaired an ASEAN Regional Forum workshop in Nanning on urban emergency rescue, highlighting how AI and next-gen rescue tools can support responders while keeping human judgment central. Cross-border enforcement: Lao authorities repatriated 129 Thai nationals arrested in Vientiane over work tied to online gambling sites, with cases processed before handover to Thai officials.

Cluster Munitions & UXO: Laos used the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane to push transparency and humanitarian priorities, with officials highlighting risk education reach, survivor support, and clearance progress as delegates pressed for stronger compliance and international backing. African Swine Fever (ASF): The Lao government ordered urgent nationwide measures to curb ASF spread, including bans on moving pigs and pork between provinces/districts and restrictions on imports, alongside tighter surveillance, quarantine steps, and support for affected farmers. China-ASEAN Economic Push: At the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang urged building a higher-standard CAFTA 3.0 and deeper cooperation in standards, digital trade, and AI applications—framing the expo as a practical engine for regional integration. Drug Policy Watch: The U.S. again flagged Laos among 23 major drug transit/producing countries for FY2027, while also removing Venezuela from its “failed” drug list—signals that could shape future U.S.-Laos counternarcotics engagement. Labour & Migration: Laos suspended new work permits and labour visas for Bangladeshi nationals through end-2026, citing efforts to prevent illegal foreign worker entry. Education & Language: With Australia’s support, Laos showcased Spoken Lao teaching materials at Oxford, describing a scaled approach to improve Grade 1 Lao listening/speaking for non-Lao-speaking children.

UXO/Cluster Munitions: Laos says it is clearing contaminated land across 13 provinces, combining risk education, survey and clearance, victim assistance and information management, with clearance reported over 105,909 hectares and 2.13 million UXO items destroyed as it keeps annual casualties below a target of 38. Labour & Migration: Laos has suspended new work permits and labour visas for Bangladeshi nationals until end-2026, while exempting priority projects with set schedules under existing contracts. International Cooperation: Laos and Russia have agreed a draft treaty to protect citizens’ rights under international law after Sept 15 talks. Trade & Investment Diplomacy: Laos is promoting products and investment opportunities at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, with Deputy PM Saleumxay highlighting expanding China-ASEAN trade. Cross-border Crime & Scams: US lawmakers urged tougher action against Southeast Asian scam enablers, explicitly naming Laos in calls for sanctions-related investigations; separately, Vietnam and Laos coordinated to dismantle a transnational cyber fraud ring in Bokeo, arresting 91 suspects. Infrastructure & Connectivity: A new Pinglu Canal in southern China is expected to strengthen regional logistics and could open more trade routes for landlocked Laos. Public Works Cooperation: Laos and South Korea reaffirmed plans on road maintenance capacity and sustainable infrastructure, including support for the Laos-Vietnam railway.

US–Laos Drug Scrutiny: The White House named Laos among 23 “major drug transit or major illicit drug producing” countries for FY2027, while stressing inclusion doesn’t necessarily reflect current counter-narcotics performance or US cooperation. Human Rights Watch: A UN report warns of transnational repression and reprisals against people and groups cooperating with the UN, citing intimidation and digital surveillance risks. Laos Immigration Crackdown: Laos suspended new work permits, labour visas and labour import approvals for Bangladeshi nationals nationwide through end-2026, citing illegal entry, smuggling and unauthorized recruitment. Cybercrime Enforcement in Vientiane: Lao authorities arrested 13 suspects in raids tied to illegal cybercrime and online gambling, seizing phones, computers, weapons and suspected meth pills. Regional Security/Disarmament: Laos continues hosting and supporting the CCM cluster-munitions review process, with international delegates inspecting UXO clearance work. Diplomacy & Connectivity: Deputy PM/Defence engagement around the China-ASEAN Expo lineup underscores Laos’ regional diplomatic calendar, while Laos–Russia ties were reiterated through embassy-level outreach.

Cluster Munitions & UXO Diplomacy: Laos is hosting the 3rd CCM Review Conference in Vientiane, with international delegations meeting alongside Lao officials and humanitarian teams highlighting progress on UXO risk education, surveys, clearance, and disposal. Humanitarian UXO Work on the Ground: The Lao People’s Army’s Centre 523 showcased five core activities and 2025 results, while survivor advocates and war-legacies groups pushed for sustained funding and public awareness. Cybercrime Crackdown in Vientiane: Authorities arrested 13 people in raids tied to illegal cybercrime and online gambling, seizing phones, computers, weapons, and suspected methamphetamine. Regional Security Cooperation: A Lao-Russian draft treaty for mutual protection of citizens reached consensus via video talks, while Laos and WCS signed an MoU to strengthen wildlife disease surveillance in Savannakhet. Health & Development Support: A Lao-Chinese military medical team is delivering free services across Vientiane and southern provinces, and Japan funded a new lower secondary school building in Houaphanh. International Cluster Munitions Signal: Timor-Leste signed its CCM accession declaration during the Vientiane conference, underscoring wider regional commitment.

Cluster Munitions Conference: Laos is hosting the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, with PM Sonexay Siphandone urging stronger global action and pushing the Vientiane Capital Action Plan 2027–2031 on faster clearance, risk education, victim assistance, and predictable international support. Humanitarian Cooperation: The Lao Red Cross and the ICRC reaffirmed continued humanitarian coordination, while a Lao-Chinese military medical team is set to deliver free services in Vientiane and three southern provinces from Sept. 16–21. Regional Connectivity: Vietnam and Laos coordinated on strategic infrastructure connectivity, and Laos also backed the Greater Mekong economic corridor push in Vientiane. Security & Enforcement: Authorities in Boten seized 35,600 e-cigarettes in an illegal transport crackdown, and Vietnam–Laos border forces held a joint exercise targeting drug trafficking and weapons smuggling. Culture & Tourism: The Culture and Tourism Minister met the Khaen Lao Art Association, including plans for a Lao Khaen Tradition Museum after the UNESCO inscription. Disaster Response: China provided US$20,000 emergency aid for flood-affected communities in northern Laos, to support food, supplies, medicines, and repairs.

Cluster Munitions/UXO Diplomacy: Laos is hosting the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, with PM Sonexay Siphandone urging stronger international cooperation, more funding, and faster clearance, risk education, and victim support—framing “shared humanitarian responsibility” as the way to heal war’s lingering damage. Conference Funding & Logistics: Lao companies and banks have pledged nearly 7 billion kip in cash and in-kind support for the conference, while delegates also toured UXO clearance efforts in Luang Prabang. Humanitarian Coordination: The Lao Red Cross and ICRC reaffirmed continued cooperation, highlighting ongoing disaster and vulnerable-community work. Security Crackdown: In Boten Zone, Luang Namtha, authorities seized 35,600 e-cigarettes in an illegal transport case, with suspects handed to provincial investigators. Culture & Tourism: The Culture and Tourism Minister met the Khaen Lao Art Association, discussing plans to build a Lao Khaen Tradition Museum after the instrument’s UNESCO heritage listing. Regional Governance: Laos and Vietnam’s audit bodies agreed to strengthen cooperation between state audit organizations and regional/local offices. China Ties: China provided US$20,000 emergency aid for flood-affected northern Laos communities.

Cluster Munitions Diplomacy in Vientiane: Laos opened the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, with PM Sonexay Siphandone urging shared humanitarian responsibility and traffic police deployed to manage delegate movement. Regional Humanitarian Burden: Cambodia warned that Thai cluster-bomb use in 2025 has contaminated nearly 4,000 sq km, displacing over 20,000 people—an issue Laos is spotlighting as it hosts the treaty review. UXO/De-mining Focus: Laos and international delegates inspected UXO clearance efforts, while MAG highlighted how farmers still face daily risks from unexploded “bombies.” Labor Policy: Laos suspended new work permits, labor import plans, and labor visas for Bangladeshi nationals through end-2026, citing illegal entry and labor-broker abuses. Trade & Industry: The US finalized steep anti-dumping and countervailing duties on crystalline solar cells from India, Indonesia, and Laos, with Laos exporters facing a 65.43% dumping margin and CVD rates up to 153.67%. Defense Ties: China’s defense minister met Lao’s deputy PM and defense chief in Beijing, as “Peace Train-2026” humanitarian drills continue.