Politics

Laos, Vietnam Set USD 4 Billion Trade Goal as Economic Ties Grow

Laos and Vietnam are pushing to take their economic partnership to the next level, with both countries targeting USD 4 billion in bilateral trade in 2026. The goal follows a strong year for trade, with two-way trade reaching USD 3.196 billion in 2025, up 12 percent from the previous year. The...

Trade, Energy, Tourism Drive Laos-Vietnam Economic Ties Past USD 1.3 Billion

Trade between Laos and Vietnam reached USD 1.305 billion during the first six months...

Laos Formalizes Shanghai Cooperation Organization Dialogue Partner Status

Laos has strengthened its regional ties after formally confirming its status as a Dialogue...

Railway Expansion, Education Reform Among Key Issues at National Assembly

Expanding the railway to southern Laos, rolling out a new school system, reducing poverty,...

Myanmar’s Leader Wraps First ASEAN Visit in Laos, Signs Mekong Dam Study

Myanmar's recently elected President, Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in the 2021 military...

Lao Electricity Exports to Vietnam Surge as Regional Energy Trade Expands

Electricity exports from Laos to Vietnam rose sharply in early 2026 as Vietnam increased purchases to support growing energy demand and strengthen supply stability. Vietnam...

Laos Steps Up ASEAN Diplomacy Ahead of Regional Summit

Laos is intensifying its regional diplomacy efforts ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit, with senior officials engaging partners across Southeast Asia to strengthen cooperation...

Laos Expands European Ties Through ASEAN-EU Meeting

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane held five bilateral meetings at the 25th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting in Brunei from 27 to 28 April. The talks...

Laos, Lithuania Sign New Cooperation Agreement to Boost Diplomatic Ties

On 27 April, Lao Foreign Affairs Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys signed a new bilateral cooperation agreement in Bandar Seri...

Laos-China Trade Nears USD 10 Billion as Ties Deepen

Laos and China marked 65 years of diplomatic relations this week, with both sides highlighting deepening economic ties, including more than USD 18 billion...

Laos, China Launch New Cross-Border Bus Route Linking Yunnan to Luang Namtha

Laos and China have launched a new international bus route connecting Xiang Hung City in Yunnan Province to Xiang Kok village in Luang Namtha,...