Laos has secured seven new development projects worth USD3.31 million under the Mekong–Lancang Special Fund for 2026, as it deepens cooperation with China on regional development.
The parties signed the agreement on 16 June at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane.
The projects will focus on human resource development, agriculture, water resources, health, and poverty reduction. Authorities say the funding will support basic services and strengthen long-term development across the country.
The Mekong–Lancang Cooperation Framework brings together six countries: Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. It was first launched in 2016 to promote regional cooperation along shared river systems and improve economic and development links.
China established the Mekong–Lancang Special Fund in 2017 to support practical cooperation projects under the framework.
According to state media, the Lao government said the latest funding round will continue to support national development priorities and improve living conditions in rural areas.
Officials from both Laos and China said the new projects would strengthen regional cooperation and contribute to wider goals, including ASEAN integration, Belt and Road cooperation, South-South cooperation, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Laos has relied heavily on regional development funding in recent years as it seeks to improve infrastructure, strengthen public services, and reduce poverty.
The government said it will work with partners to ensure the new projects are implemented effectively and deliver results at community level.
Past Cooperations
Over the past decade, Laos has received around 100 projects worth more than USD 26 million through the fund, according to officials. The projects have supported rural development, agriculture, health services, and skills training across the country.
Beyond development cooperation, Mekong–Lancang countries have expanded coordination into security and enforcement areas.
In November 2025, the six member states agreed on new measures to combat transnational telecom and online fraud, including real-time information sharing, stricter SIM-card controls, and closer regional law enforcement cooperation.
China has also introduced new regional visa policies in June 2025 aimed at boosting travel, business, and economic cooperation with ASEAN countries and Mekong region partners.
Officials from Laos and China said the latest funding package would further strengthen regional cooperation and contribute to wider development goals, including ASEAN integration, Belt and Road cooperation, South–South cooperation, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Lao government said it would work with partners to ensure the new projects are implemented effectively and deliver tangible benefits at community level.
