AGP Executive Report

Extra Session in Vientiane: Laos’ National Assembly will hold an extraordinary session from July 6–10 to review the first-half 2026 National Socio-Economic Development Plan, State Budget and Monetary Plan, and to debate a rural development and poverty reduction agenda plus draft laws. Mekong Upgrade: Vientiane’s Mekong River Integrated Management Project Phase II is now complete, aiming to reduce flooding and turn the riverbank into a tourism and recreation area. Wildlife Crackdown: Laos seized more than 110 kg of suspected illegal wildlife products in Luang Prabang, including rhino horn, ivory, pangolin scales and bear gallbladder items, arresting a suspect for legal action. Digital Social Security: The National Social Security Organization trained staff nationwide on using the LSSO App and online employer contribution payments to modernize services. Anti-Corruption Push: The Fifth National Inspection Conference opened in Vientiane, focusing on strengthening monitoring and inspection and tackling corruption. Regional Diplomacy: Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Laos for a state-level goodwill visit marking 70 years of ties, with talks planned with Lao leaders.

Minnesota Clemency Shock: Minnesota’s Board of Pardons, with Gov. Tim Walz among its three members, granted a full pardon to Laotian national Tou Lue Vang, convicted in 2006 of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl, wiping the conviction and derailing a planned deportation—prompting sharp criticism from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Laos Weather Alert: Laos’ weather bureau warned of widespread rain as a tropical storm approaches, urging people to prepare for flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding. Aquatic Conservation Push: Laos plans to release 72 million fish fingerlings nationwide on July 13 to restore freshwater biodiversity. Anti-Corruption Focus: Lao leaders met in Vientiane for a national inspection conference, setting 2026–2030 priorities to strengthen oversight and fight corruption. Energy & Justice: A Thai businessman was sentenced to life in Laos over a major hydropower corruption case involving EDL, with millions in compensation ordered. Trade Corridor Update: China–Laos Railway trade has topped 90 billion yuan since 2021, with freight volumes rising in the first half of this year. Agriculture for Exports: FAO and Laos are convening stakeholders to boost the chili pepper sector for international markets and investment.

Tropical Storm Watch: Laos’ weather bureau warns of widespread rain from Thursday to Sunday as a tropical depression is expected to strengthen into Storm Bavi, with risks of flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding. Biodiversity Push: The Agriculture and Environment Ministry plans to release 72 million fish fingerlings nationwide on July 13 to restore freshwater ecosystems and support sustainable fisheries. Anti-Corruption Oversight: Lao leaders met for the fifth National Conference on Inspection Work, setting 2026–2030 priorities to strengthen oversight and intensify efforts against corruption, bureaucracy, and wastefulness. Cross-Border Connectivity: The China-Laos Railway is seeing rising cross-border passenger traffic, highlighting growing regional travel links. Bilateral Recognition: 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 Diplomacy: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit Laos soon, his first trip to an ASEAN member state since taking on his civilian role.

Myanmar–Laos Diplomacy: Myanmar’s junta chief turned president Min Aung Hlaing will visit Laos from 3–5 July, his first ASEAN member-state trip since becoming president, at the invitation of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith. Bilateral Recognition: Laos awarded a Friendship Medal to outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador Jung Yung-soo, praising expanded cooperation across politics, security, trade, education, culture and development. Health & Care: Japanese and Lao doctors will deliver free cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries for eligible Lao children at Setthathirath Hospital in Vientiane from 24–28 August, with registration now open. Fisheries Conservation: Laos plans to release 72 million fingerlings nationwide on 13 July to restore fish stocks and protect aquatic biodiversity, with a launch ceremony at Bueng That Luang. Regional Security: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam are pushing a trilateral liaison mechanism to speed up information sharing and coordinate action against transnational crime and online scams. Flood Watch: Heavy rains have triggered the first reported floods of Laos’ 2026 rainy season in northern provinces, with residents urged to monitor conditions and prepare for more downpours.

Mekong Water Security: The Mekong River Commission and India signed a new five-year MoU to boost water security, climate resilience, disaster risk management, clean energy tech, and sustainable basin development. Aquatic Conservation: Laos is preparing to release 72 million fingerlings nationwide on July 13 to restore fish stocks and protect native species. Health Cooperation: Japanese and Lao doctors will offer free cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries for Lao children at Setthathirath Hospital in Vientiane from Aug 24–28, with registration now open. Diplomacy: Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit Laos July 3–5, marking 70 years of diplomatic ties. Regional Security: Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam are pushing a trilateral plan to improve border and immigration coordination to tackle transnational crime and online scams. Environment & Haze: Laos is setting up a “Forest Fire and Haze War Room” in Vientiane under the CLEAR Sky Strategy to monitor and respond to PM2.5 and transboundary haze. Trade & Food: Laos reported crop exports of $752 million in the first five months of 2026, while regional efforts continue to expand market access for agricultural goods.

Economy & Trade: Laos says it is setting priorities to strengthen the economy, with the Industry and Commerce ministry reviewing first-half performance and mapping second-half work on domestic production, trade system upgrades, and better human resources. Food Security & Exports: The Agriculture and Environment ministry reports crop and crop-product exports of about $752 million in the first five months of 2026, plus growth in livestock and forestry-related exports, alongside efforts to expand market access. Energy & Industry: Laos highlights fuel supply stability, faster responses to illegal mining and accidents, SME support, and moves to promote electric vehicles. Agriculture: Laos also pushes modern, cleaner farming methods and dry-season commercial crops to meet export standards. Regional Security: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet urges Laos and Vietnam to intensify trilateral cooperation against online scams and transnational crime. Cross-Border Cooperation: Oudomxay and Vietnam’s Son La sign a 2026–2029 deal targeting transnational crime, drugs, trafficking, and smuggling, while expanding trade, agriculture, and tourism. People & Culture: President Thongloun’s “Letters to My Grandchildren” is donated to 20 school libraries in Vientiane, in Lao and English. Climate Cooperation: China spotlights the Vientiane-Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone as a model for green development, citing solar lighting and new-energy transport.

Laos Economy: Laos’ inflation eased to 7.4% in June, down from 9.0% in May, with housing, utilities and transport still driving the biggest price increases, as the government reiterates its push for macroeconomic stability. UXO & Diplomacy: Laos is stepping up preparations for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (Sept 13–18, 2026) in Vientiane, with consultations focused on a people-centred approach to UXO action. Tax Policy: Laos raised the monthly income exempt from personal income tax to LAK 2.5 million, giving lower earners a bigger tax-free allowance while keeping the same progressive rates above the threshold. Regional Environment: Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone warned that rising temperatures and El Niño could worsen forest and peatland fires and transboundary haze, with ministers meeting in Vientiane to coordinate cross-border action. Science & Innovation: The 4th China–ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition finals were held in Vientiane, highlighting regional innovation cooperation. Bilateral Ties: Laos’ National Assembly President sent congratulations to Cambodia’s Hun Sen on 70 years of Laos–Cambodia diplomatic relations, underscoring continued cooperation.

Mekong Haze Alert: Laos’ PM Sonexay Siphandone warned that hotter weather and El Niño risks could spark more forest and peatland fires, with the June 25 Vientiane meeting flagging rising hotspots and the knock-on harm to health, farming and the regional economy. Inflation Watch: Laos’ annual inflation eased to 7.4% in June (from 9.0% in May), with housing, utilities and gas the biggest driver; authorities say they’ll keep using prudent monetary tools to stabilize prices. Cluster Munitions Prep: Laos is stepping up preparations for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in September, holding technical consultations in Vientiane and drafting a people-centred action plan. Education & Media: Laos highlighted the role of media in national development and basic education, with BEQUAL programme staff stressing better public awareness and partnerships to reach vulnerable communities. Diplomacy: Laos’ VP received a farewell call from Korea’s outgoing ambassador, praising the expanding comprehensive strategic partnership. Vientiane Investment: A Vietnam–Laos real estate deal was signed for a 557-hectare project in the Long Thanh–Vientiane SEZ, including a 99-year land lease and incentives. Digital Payments: Thailand pushed Cross-Border QR payments to help tourists pay “like a local,” including visitors from Laos.

Transboundary Haze Watch: Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone warned that rising hotspots and El Niño could spark another round of Mekong haze, with the June 25 meeting in Vientiane noting a roughly 8% hotspot rise from Dec 2025–May 2026. Cybercrime & Scams: A major report describes how cyberscam compounds in the Golden Triangle region use forced labour and “pig-butchering” romance-style scripts to lure victims into crypto fraud, while NGOs also accuse social media platforms of enabling illegal wildlife sales. Wildlife Trafficking Online: AFP highlights rampant pangolin and other wildlife listings on Facebook, with NGOs calling it the biggest illegal wildlife trade market online. AI Infrastructure Push: Comin Asia and Nokia announced plans to build AI-ready, sovereign data centre infrastructure across Southeast Asia, including Cambodia and Laos. Regional Payments for Tourism: Thailand is expanding Cross-Border QR payments under “Pay Like a Local,” letting visitors from Laos and others pay Thai merchants via home e-wallets. Laos-Venezuela Solidarity: Laos extended condolences to Venezuela after the June 24 earthquake killed more than 1,400 people. EV Adoption Trend: China’s EV exports hit a record $9.2bn in May, with Laos and Cambodia reaching record monthly import levels as electrification policies spread.

ASEAN STI in Vientiane: Thailand floated an ASEAN CHIPS Act to build a more unified semiconductor ecosystem, while ministers meeting in Laos pushed the wider science, technology and innovation agenda under APASTI 2026–2035. Regional security coordination: ReCAAP and the Philippine Coast Guard held a senior officers meeting in Manila with Laos among focal points, focusing on port security, incident reporting, and joint enforcement against piracy and sea robbery. Laos diplomacy: A Lao vice president sent condolences to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes, underscoring continued solidarity. Public governance and tech: A UN public service forum discussed balancing AI efficiency with public interest, and Laos-linked officials highlighted AI and innovation themes at regional gatherings. Health and safety tech: Researchers reported a non-invasive laser method to detect toxic methanol in sealed bottles—relevant after past methanol poisonings. Water access map: A global data map shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, with big gaps between rich and low-income countries. Air connectivity: COMAC marked 10 years of commercial service for China’s C909 regional jet, now a major share of China’s regional fleet.

EV and energy shift: The Iran war’s disruption of oil routes is pushing faster EV adoption across developing markets, including Southeast Asia, even as charging infrastructure struggles to keep up. Regional innovation in Laos: ASEAN science and technology ministers opened meetings in Vientiane to advance the STI agenda, with Thailand pitching an ASEAN CHIPS Act to build a more integrated semiconductor ecosystem. Drug pressure on the Mekong: UN reporting says Afghanistan’s opium stockpiles will keep heroin supplies flowing through 2026, while India warns drug trafficking threats are rising from Myanmar along the Golden Triangle corridor that includes Laos. Laos governance and economy: Laos marks International Day Against Drug Abuse with renewed calls to strengthen national action, as inflation reportedly eased to 7.4% in June. Mining and jobs: Laos’ vice president visited Khammouane potash firms, urging environmentally sustainable operations and continued investment.

ASEAN STI Push in Vientiane: Laos hosted the 22nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation, with leaders stressing a more resilient, sustainable and competitive region through research, education, and innovation under the APASTI 2026–2035 plan. Inflation Eases in Laos: Laos’ inflation slowed to 7.4% in June (from 9% in May), with the biggest rises in housing, utilities and education, while the government said it will keep monetary stability measures to support growth. PM on Transport Deadlines: Vietnam’s Prime Minister Le Minh Hung urged strict adherence to schedules for major transport projects, warning delays should only happen for objective reasons. Drug Abuse and Trafficking Focus: Laos marked International Day Against Drug Abuse with calls for stronger national action as regional reporting highlights rising drug threats linked to Myanmar’s opium expansion. Mining With a Green Pitch: Laos’ Vice President visited Khammouane mining firms, urging environmentally sustainable operations and continued investment and jobs. Regional Border Security Talks: Indonesia and Australia agreed to deepen ASEAN border security cooperation, including intelligence sharing and cyber steps, citing scams and trafficking risks affecting Laos and neighbors. AgroBerries Enters Laos: AgroBerries announced a 150-hectare blueberry project in Laos, with first commercial volumes expected in Q4 2026.

ASEAN STI Push in Vientiane: Laos hosted the 22nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation, with Lao leaders stressing education, research and human capital as the bloc drafts the next STI roadmap. Regional STI Partnerships: Vietnam and Malaysia also used the meeting to call for deeper joint research and innovation platforms, while ASEAN and Japan reaffirmed science and tech cooperation in Vientiane. Drug Abuse Drive: Laos marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone urging stronger law enforcement, rehab and community action; officials cited thousands of trafficking cases and arrests in 2025. Economy Watch: Laos inflation eased to 7.4% in June, with housing and utilities the biggest price pressure. Mining Sustainability: Laos’ Vice President visited Khammouane potash firms, urging greener operations and local jobs. Border Security Cooperation: Indonesia and Australia agreed to boost ASEAN-Australia border security via intelligence sharing, immigration coordination and cybersecurity. Human stories: A Lao Hmong immigration account was shared by an elementary principal in the US, highlighting cultural blending and displacement. International condolences: Laos extended condolences to Venezuela after major earthquakes. Regional crime focus: South Korea and Mekong nations met to expand cooperation against transnational crime.

ASEAN STI Push in Vientiane: Malaysia urged ASEAN to build a more integrated, mission-driven science, technology and innovation ecosystem, linking research to real social impact, as ministers met in Laos for AMMSTI-22. Drug Fight at Home: Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone reiterated the government’s push against drug abuse and trafficking on the International Day, citing public awareness, stronger enforcement, alternative livelihoods, and rehab services; Laos reported 3,660 trafficking cases in 2025. Inflation Eases: Laos’ inflation fell to 7.4% in June from 9% in May, with housing and utilities the biggest driver at 20.1%. Regional Crime Cooperation: South Korea and Mekong nations met in Thailand to expand work on transnational crime response, including new tech and economic security projects. Science Partnerships: Vietnam and Laos highlighted science and innovation cooperation at the same ASEAN STI ministerial in Vientiane. Drug Market Warning: UNODC warned global drug use hit a record high and synthetic drugs are spreading faster, making markets more diverse and more dangerous. Agribusiness in Laos: AgroBerries announced a 150-hectare blueberry venture in Laos with Mountain Blue Orchards, targeting first commercial volumes in Q4 2026.

Fuel Policy: Laos reinstated higher fuel excise taxes on 24 June, raising regular gasoline to 25% (from 15%) and diesel to 5% (from 0%), with Vientiane retail prices updated the next day. Border Relations: Laos and Thailand unveiled a special border marker at Nam Ngeun–Huai Kon checkpoint to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties and highlight progress on joint border demarcation. Scam Crackdown & Cyber Crime: Regional reporting points to FATF pressure on Myanmar to act against cyber-scam compounds, while Laos remains in the wider fight against trafficking-linked fraud networks. Governance & Oversight: Vietnam and Laos audit agencies agreed to deepen cooperation on digital transformation and modernising audit work. Culture & Public Life: Fête de la Musique 2026 returns to the Institut Français du Laos with free concerts (26–28 June), and Laos–Japan scholarship support continues with a new JDS exchange of notes worth 378 million JPY.

ASEAN-Sci-Tech Push in Vientiane: Laos hosted key ASEAN science, technology and innovation meetings, with Japan and RoK cooperation plans and ASEAN-China pledges on joint research, talent exchange and stronger tech transfer. Local Governance Exchange: Vientiane Capital and Nghe An Province met to share experience on subdistrict administration and local reforms as Laos accelerates its commune-level system. Fuel Price Update: Laos adjusted retail fuel prices nationwide from June 25—diesel down to 24,560 kip/litre while petrol rises to 30,690 kip/litre. Energy Trade Watch: LTMS-PIP Phase 2 (Malaysia–Singapore) reported electricity supply and wheeling figures to date, with feasibility work for further interconnections underway. Sustainable Farming Deal: Korea–Laos green agro partnering in Vientiane drew business matching and follow-up discussions worth about $14 million, focusing on smart agriculture and investment. Border Security: Vietnam and Laos carried out a joint border patrol, checking markers and targeting smuggling and illegal crossings. Education & Inclusion: MoES and Australia backed a Vientiane conference on early Lao language and literacy for multilingual children, aiming for more inclusive learning from day one.