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IDC MarketScape names Hitachi Energy a Leader in Asset Performance Management for Worldwide Utilities

ZURICH, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hitachi Energy, a global leader in electrification, has been recognized as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Utilities Asset Performance Management (APM) 2025–2026 Vendor Assessment (Doc #US53008225, November 2025). The IDC study evaluated 12 APM providers by qualitatively and quantitatively assessing their capabilities and strategies regarding their offerings in the power and utilities industry.

IDC MarketScape Worldwide Utilities APM 2025-2026
IDC MarketScape Worldwide Utilities APM 2025-2026

“As utilities navigate the challenges of aging assets, clean-energy integration and grid modernization, APM solutions have become essential for achieving operational resilience, reducing costs and delivering sustainable outcomes across their organizations,” said the IDC MarketScape.

“A modernized and data-driven approach to APM is now a strategic imperative for utilities,” said John Villali, Senior Research Director, IDC Energy Insights. “Sophisticated APM solutions have become foundational to utilities’ digital and energy-transition strategies. With its heritage in the utility sector, AI-driven APM solution and global customer base, Hitachi Energy is well-positioned to guide and support utilities across the world in this important and continuously evolving space.”

According to the IDC MarketScape: “Hitachi Energy has deep domain expertise in the utilities sector, especially in the transmission and distribution subsegments. Its APM offering provides over 175 prebuilt models covering transformers, breakers, and substation assets.”

Furthermore, the report notes: “Hitachi Energy can provide a fully integrated APM + enterprise asset management (EAM) + field service management (FSM) suite, which can provide a data-rich asset lifecycle management strategy that supports regional utility sector regulatory compliance across the globe.”

“We’re pleased to be recognized as a Leader in APM by one of the world’s top technology research firms,” says Andy Howell, Global Head of Enterprise Software Product Group, Hitachi Energy. “Hitachi Energy has the world’s largest installed base in power transmission and distribution utilities. These same utilities are now adopting our integrated software solutions. Ultimately, IDC’s recognition reflects what’s most important: our customers’ success.”

Hitachi Energy APM is purpose‑built for utilities, bringing together asset health, reliability, and optimization into one suite. When integrated with enterprise asset management and work management systems, it enables a closed-loop of asset lifecycle workflows.

Backed by over a century’s heritage of building and maintaining critical electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure across the world, including a library of more than 175 pre-built models for grid assets, Hitachi Energy APM allows utilities to prioritize the right maintenance, reduce failure risk, and optimize capital expenditures and operating expenses while meeting regulatory expectations.

Using AI-driven analytics and network-aware context, APM combines operational and historical data to strengthen reliability, safety, and cost performance across transmission and distribution. 

Hitachi Energy APM is part of the Asset & Work Management suite of solutions, which supports Hitachi’s HMAX Energy portfolio of digitally enabled services. HMAX by Hitachi is a suite of next-generation solutions that brings the power of AI to social infrastructure.

To read the IDC MarketScape excerpt, please visit https://www.hitachienergy.company/qPC.

About IDC MarketScape
The IDC MarketScape vendor assessment model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of technology and service suppliers in a given market. The research utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each supplier’s position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of technology suppliers can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective suppliers.

About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time – balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we co-create and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD. 
https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy 

About Hitachi, Ltd.
Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.

 

January Trade Surplus Marks Sharp Rebound from Year-Earlier Deficit

Picture of cargo trucks to show import and exporting through land transportation in Laos. (Picture by J&C Group)

Laos began 2026 on stronger footing, with exports rising to USD 886.7 million in January, up 36 percent from the same month last year. The increase helped the country return to a trade surplus after opening 2025 in deficit.

Gold remained the biggest export, while fuel continued to top the import list. The shift pushed the trade balance back into positive results after last year’s weak start.

Compared to the whole 2025, imports were slightly higher than imports causing a trade deficit of USD 88.8 million. 

The figures show that while export activity remained strong, import demand slightly outpaced outbound shipments and  trade momentum had slowed over the year. 

That contrasts with the whole 2024, when Laos recorded a strong trade surplus of USD 1.54 billion. Exports outpaced imports by a wide margin that year, supported largely by electricity and other key commodities.

Overall, the January 2026 surplus points to a stronger start compared to both January 2025 and the full-year deficit recorded last year. This helped to restore the trade balance early this year, signalling improved trade performance. 

Kung Fu Meets Spring — Unitree Spring Festival Gala Robots Present “Cyber Real Kung Fu” in the Year of the Horse

HANGZHOU, China, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the new year begins and all things renew, on the stage of the 2026 Spring Festival Gala of China Media Group, Unitree Robotics made its third appearance as the official robot partner of the Gala. Bringing its G1 and H2 humanoid robots, Unitree presented the world’s first fully autonomous humanoid robot cluster martial arts performance (with quick cluster movement).

I. Breaking Motion Performance Limits, Achieving Multiple World Firsts

In this performance, Unitree’s humanoid robots demonstrated unprecedented motion performance, achieving multiple world-first technical breakthroughs: the world’s first continuous freestyle table-vaulting parkour; the world’s first launched aerial flip, with a maximum flip height exceeding 3 meters; the world’s first continuous single-leg flips, a two-step wall-assisted backflip, and the world’s first Airflare grand spin of seven-and-a-half rotations and other high-difficulty movements.

At the cluster coordination level, Unitree achieved the world’s first high-speed cluster movement (with maximum arbitrary movement speed reaching 4 m/s). The robots are also equipped with newly self-developed dexterous hands, supporting rapid switching and stable gripping of martial arts props, providing reliable support for high-difficulty martial arts performances.

These breakthroughs not only redefine the technical boundaries of humanoid robot motion performance, but also mark a comprehensive leap in explosive power, agility, coordination, and reliability, laying a solid foundation for future applications in complex scenarios.

II. High-Concurrency Cluster Control System and Self-Developed AI Fusion Localization Algorithm

The performance was coordinated using a newly upgraded high-concurrency cluster control system, enabling real-time synchronized movement of dozens of robots. Motion synchronization error was strictly controlled, achieving ultra-low latency synchronization.

In terms of localization, an AI fusion localization algorithm was adopted—using AI to process proprioceptive data and deeply fusing it with 3D LiDAR data, processing environmental information hundreds of times per second. This algorithm ensures that the robots can maintain precise localization even after intense movements. It can prevent traditional localization algorithms from losing tracking or drifting during intense movements such as aerial flips.

In motion control, the team fine-tuned pre-trained general control models, enabling robots to adjust their positions while performing martial arts movements. Combined with the AI fusion localization algorithm, this approach solved the problem of cumulative motion errors during long-sequence performances, ensuring consistent and unified movements throughout the show.

The combined advancement of localization and control algorithms enabled robots to rapidly and accurately execute complex formation transitions, ultimately realizing the world’s first fully autonomous humanoid robot cluster martial arts performance (with quick cluster movement).

III. H2’s Striking Appearances at the Main and Sub Venues

At the conclusion of the main venue performance, H2 made its final appearance in the role of a “Sword Grandmaster.” After a sword routine marked by controlled strength and rhythm, it took the young martial artist’s hands, and together they stepped forward to perform a fist-and-palm salute—symbolizing both the generational inheritance of martial arts spirit and the future of human–machine integration.

Meanwhile, at the Yiwu sub-venue thousands of kilometers away, H2 appeared clad in the Monkey King’s heavy armor, wielding a golden cudgel, and standing atop a “somersault cloud” played by B2W quadruped robot dogs. It moved through streets and alleys before descending from the sky and landing at the Egg Theater, deeply integrating with traditional culture.

Chinese Kung Fu once again amazes the world, as traditional culture and technology advance together in a win-win partnership. From a globally screen-dominating debut to hard-core capabilities that continue to lead the industry, Unitree remains driven by innovation, advancing humanoid robots toward broader horizons.

In 2025, Unitree humanoid robots gained global popularity, with shipment volume ranking No.1 worldwide. In 2026, leading the way at full speed and advancing day by day, Unitree continues to drive the global embodied intelligence industry forward.

With most islands in the world, Sweden offers five to travellers

Sweden invites tourists to make their dream come true: Applications open to get one of five of Sweden’s more than 267,000 islands, defined by calm, clean air and restorative nature.

STOCKHOLM, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The idea of escaping to a private island has long symbolised the ultimate dream for many, with islands embodying not just luxury but also space, rest and recovery.

Sweden now offers the opportunity to make this dream come true by providing five of the country’s islands to international travellers for one year of use.

A recent global YouGov survey found that people are drawn to silence, fresh air, and free access to nature. 77% said they would consider visiting a Swedish island. 44% of respondents said they would gladly escape the crowds by going to their own island. In Germany and France, one in five admits they’d appreciate some time away from their life partner.

The initiative Your Swedish Island now redefines luxury as simplicity, space, and nature rather than exclusivity or excess. Sweden boasts a total of 267,570 islands.

“Sweden has more islands than any other country in the world, and we would like to invite people to enjoy what may be the most genuine form of luxury: the peace and tranquillity of nature on your own island”, says Susanne Andersson, CEO at Visit Sweden.

The initiative, launched by Visit Sweden in partnership with the National Property Board, welcomes travellers to apply to become custodians of one of five carefully selected islands. Each location is wonderfully secluded, yet close enough to a local community for essentials – whether it’s picking up groceries, posting a letter, or joining a traditional Midsummer celebration.

International travellers are welcome to upload videos explaining why they deserve a one-year right to use one of the five selected islands. A jury will select successful applicants based on creativity and personal motivation, who win a trip to Sweden.

“If you don’t get one of these islands, don’t worry. Sweden has many more for everyone to enjoy,” says Susanne Andersson. “From quiet lakes to open coastlines, there’s an island paradise waiting for one and all.”

Source: Survey, June/July 2025, YouGov/Visit Sweden

More about Your Swedish Island  

Press images; Images of Swedish islands

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaTnvqgBkt4

Island paradise Sweden. Credits: Anders Klapp/imagebank.sweden.se
Island paradise Sweden. Credits: Anders Klapp/imagebank.sweden.se

 

 

Infosys and Anthropic Announce Collaboration to Unlock AI Value across Complex, Regulated Industries

  • Collaboration launches in telecommunications with dedicated Anthropic Center of Excellence, expanding across financial services, manufacturing, and software development
  • Infosys Topaz™ and Anthropic’s Claude models, including Claude Code, combine to automate complex workflows, accelerate software delivery, and build agentic AI solutions across industries

BENGALURU, India, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced a strategic collaboration with Anthropic, an AI safety and research company, to develop and deliver advanced enterprise AI solutions to companies across telecommunications, financial services, manufacturing, and software development. The collaboration will begin in telecommunications with a dedicated Anthropic Center of Excellence to build and deploy AI agents tailored to industry-specific operations. The collaboration will further expand across industries, including financial services, manufacturing, and software development.

At its core, the collaboration integrates Anthropic’s Claude models, including Claude Code, with Infosys Topaz AI offerings to help enterprises automate complex workflows, accelerate software delivery, and adopt AI with the governance and transparency that regulated industries require.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensuring AI drives real transformational value, not just efficiency gains. Together, Infosys and Anthropic aim to help clients reimagine the enterprise operating model by combining deep industry expertise, frontier AI, and engineering scale into one unified approach.

A core focus will be agentic AI – systems that go beyond answering questions to independently handling multi-step tasks like processing claims, generating and testing code, or managing compliance reviews. Using tools like the Claude Agent SDK, Infosys and Anthropic will help clients build AI agents that can work persistently across long, complex processes rather than one-off interactions. The collaboration will also help organizations modernize legacy systems, combining Infosys Topaz and Claude to accelerate migration and reduce the cost of updating aging infrastructure.

Building on these agentic AI capabilities, Infosys and Anthropic will develop custom AI agents tailored to specific industries and business functions:

  • In telecommunications, AI agents will help carriers modernize network operations, streamline customer lifecycle management, and improve service delivery – bringing intelligent automation to one of the most operationally complex and heavily regulated industries in the world.
  • In financial services, AI agents will help firms detect and assess risk faster, automate compliance reporting, and deliver more personalized customer interactions – such as tailoring financial advice based on a client’s full account history and market conditions.
  • In manufacturing and engineering, Claude will help accelerate product design and simulation, reducing R&D timelines and enabling engineers to test more iterations before production.
  • In software development, teams will use Claude Code to write, test, and debug code – helping developers move faster from design through production. Infosys is already deploying Claude Code within its own Exponential Engineering organization, building internal expertise and best practices that will directly inform client engagements.

Dario Amodei, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Anthropic, said, “There’s a big gap between an AI model that works in a demo and one that works in a regulated industry – and if you want to close that gap, you need domain expertise. Infosys has exactly that kind of expertise across important industries: telecom, financial services, and manufacturing. Their developers are already using Claude Code to accelerate their work and to create AI agents for industries that demand precision, compliance, and deep domain knowledge.”

Salil Parekh, Chief Executive Officer, Infosys, said, “AI is not just transforming business – it is redefining the way industries operate and innovate. Our collaboration with Anthropic marks a strategic leap toward advancing enterprise AI, enabling organizations to unlock value and become more intelligent, resilient, and responsible. From modernizing financial services with intelligent risk management and compliance, to enabling engineering businesses to lead with AI-driven design and manufacturing, the goal is to leverage the joint expertise of Infosys and Anthropic to accelerate AI value realization for global enterprises.”

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 330,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in 63 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the ‘safe harbor’ under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as artificial intelligence (“AI”), generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

Water Shortage in Vientiane Slows Tap Water Supply, Officials Say

This photo is used for representational purpose only.

The Vientiane Water Supply State Enterprise has warned residents that the onset of the dry season is causing low water levels at the city’s main treatment facility, disrupting tap water supply across parts of the capital.

Officials noted on 13 February that declining water levels in the Mekong River, the primary source for the Chinaimo Water Treatment Plant in Sisattanak district, have hampered water extraction, causing production to fall short of planned output. 

As a result, water pressure and flow to higher-elevation areas have slowed.

Residents in areas supplied by the Chinaimo plant, located in southeastern Vientiane, are among the most affected. 

However, the problem extends well beyond Sisattanak. Residents across the capital report chronic water shortages regardless of the season, pointing to what many describe as years of inadequate infrastructure and poor management.

“Normally, even during the rainy season, tap water hardly comes,” one resident wrote online.

One commenter questioned why authorities had not studied the local environment before building the new treatment pond, noting that the area already had dry patches and low spots. 

“They only focused on construction without considering that it would cause problems every year. Water problems are the same as electricity problems, the authorities just let it be. Management didn’t really check or pay attention,” the comment read.

Residents from other districts echoed similar frustrations. 

“In North Nongtha village in Xaythany district, whether it’s the dry season or the rainy season, the town still suffers from water shortages,” one local wrote. 

A resident from Xaysettha district added: “In South Thatluang village, I never see any water from 7 AM until around 11 PM, maybe just once or twice.”

Tap water shortages in Vientiane Capital have persisted for years without an effective resolution. 

The Water Supply State Enterprise urged residents to use water sparingly and efficiently, and said it is working to address the issue as quickly as possible.

LG ELECTRONICS PRESENTS THE FUTURE OF LUXURY HOME LIVING AT KBIS 2026

Expanded LG SIGNATURE and SKS Lineups and New Builder Solutions Strengthen LG’s North American B2B Appliance Strategy 

News Summary 

  • LG Electronics introduces its latest premium home solutions at KBIS 2026, including AI-powered appliances and design-led innovations across kitchen and laundry categories.
  • The exhibit highlights expanded LG SIGNATURE and SKS lineups featuring refined design, advanced functionality and intelligent features.
  • LG’s Core Tech-powered appliances deliver exceptional performance in diverse residential spaces while the LG ThinQ™ AI platform enables a seamless smart home integration.
  • LG also presents builder-focused appliance packages and the ThinQ Pro platform, designed to support B2B customers across diverse residential environments.

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics (LG) is showcasing a wide selection of premium home solutions at the 2026 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), North America’s largest kitchen and bath tradeshow, held in Orlando, Florida, from February 17-19. Featuring the expanded LG SIGNATURE portfolio, SKS’s luxury appliances and the ThinQ AI and ThinQ Pro platforms, the exhibit highlights LG’s expanding presence across both consumer and builder markets in North America.

LG Electronics showcases a wide selection of luxury home solutions at KBIS 2026, North America’s largest kitchen and bath tradeshow.
LG Electronics showcases a wide selection of luxury home solutions at KBIS 2026, North America’s largest kitchen and bath tradeshow.

LG SIGNATURE: Refined Design Meets Cutting-edge Technology

Visitors to LG’s booth will encounter the expanded LG SIGNATURE portfolio of premium lifestyle solutions. Tailored to the evolving North American housing trends, the latest lineup combines technological innovation with refined design to reinterpret modern living. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, LG SIGNATURE offers an extended kitchen lineup covering 10 product categories. The brand’s sleek solutions represent the perfect balance of form and function, combining refined design and strong performance with convenient AI features to further enhance and enrich the user experience.

LG SIGNATURE presents three distinct design collections – Iconic, Tailored and Seamless – each reflecting regional lifestyle preferences and interior trends while expressing the brand’s refined minimal design identity. The Iconic Collection echoes the eye-catching color palettes popular in luxury condominiums, the Tailored Collection offers customization options including materials and finishes, and the Seamless Collection – developed in collaboration with Italian luxury living brand Poliform – delivers a subtle yet elegant aesthetic that seamlessly blends in with a diverse range of interior styles.

SKS Expands the High-end Living Experience from Kitchen to Laundry

At KBIS 2026, LG introduces the ultra-premium SKS brand’s first laundry solution alongside its latest kitchen lineup. Built on the pillars of precision, ingenuity and passion, SKS continues to expand its portfolio towards a Technicurean whole-home living environment. The new 29-inch SKS WashCombo™ and SKS Dryer incorporate advanced AI-driven fabric-care technologies and can be paired to create a fully integrated, efficient laundry environment.

Highlights of the SKS kitchen lineup include the much-anticipated 36-inch Integrated Column Freezer and Column Refrigerator, which automatically optimize cooling and ice production based on usage patterns. The innovative SKS Hidden Induction Island System delivers a clean, seamless appearance and intuitive usability with an invisible induction cooktop and downdraft hood.  The all-new 36-inch Full-Flex induction cooktop with two extended cooking zones that support oversized cookware up to 12.6 inches is also on display. LG is hosting live cooking shows at its booth, allowing visitors to experience the intelligent features and cooking precision of the latest SKS kitchen appliances.

LG’s Core Tech and AI Platform Maximize Reliability and Convenience

The premium appliances on show at KBIS owe their powerful performance and impressive durability to the company’s highly efficient Core Tech component technologies. LG’s laundry solutions incorporate proprietary Dual Inverter Heat Pump technology and Artificial Intelligence Direct Drive™ (AI DD™) motor, while the Zero Clearance hinge in LG’s Fit & Max refrigerators enables flexible installation and a flush-to-the-wall fit.

LG also demonstrates how its AI Home upgrades daily living via the smooth integration of AI appliances and the ThinQ AI platform, which encompasses the ThinQ ON AI Home hub, and the ThinQ UP and ThinQ Care services. Supported by LG Shield cybersecurity system, LG’s AI Home helps safeguard personal data and sensitive information while enabling personalized comfort and convenience.

Broadening Builder-Focused Solutions in North America

Targeting the North American builder market, LG introduces appliance packages designed for residential developments, including compact kitchen and laundry solutions as well as double-configured Styler packages.

Visitors can also explore LG ThinQ Pro, a space management platform for B2B customers that enables integrated system operation through simple QR-based setup and centralized monitoring.

“We are redefining the home experience across luxury, premium and mainstream segments by combining design sophistication, AI intelligence and seamless platform integration,” said Steve Baek, president of the LG Home Appliance Solution Company. “With a complete built-in appliance portfolio and differentiated builder offerings, we will continue to strengthen our leadership in the North American B2B appliance market.”

LG welcomes KBIS 2026 attendees to experience its latest premium home solutions firsthand at the LG booth (#W2100, Orange County Convention Center).

About LG Electronics Home Appliance Solution Company  

The LG Home Appliance Solution Company (HS) is a global leader in home appliances and AI home solutions. By leveraging industry-leading core technologies, the HS Company is committed to enhancing consumers’ quality of life and promoting sustainability. The company develops thoughtfully designed kitchen and living appliance solutions and has recently integrated LG’s Robot Business Division to incorporate advanced robot technologies into its home solutions. Together, these products offer enhanced convenience, exceptional performance, efficient operation and sustainable lifestyle solutions. For more news on LG, visit www.LGnewsroom.com. 

Marking its 10th anniversary, the latest LG SIGNATURE offers an extended lineup with three distinct design collections.
Marking its 10th anniversary, the latest LG SIGNATURE offers an extended lineup with three distinct design collections.

SKS expands the high-end living experience from kitchen to laundry.
SKS expands the high-end living experience from kitchen to laundry.

The premium appliances with LG’s Core Tech component technologies​ deliver reliability, while offering everyday convenience along with the Fit & Max design through the Zero Clearance hinge.
The premium appliances with LG’s Core Tech component technologies​ deliver reliability, while offering everyday convenience along with the Fit & Max design through the Zero Clearance hinge.

LG introduces appliance packages designed for residential developments, along with its space management platform for B2B customers, LG ThinQ Pro.
LG introduces appliance packages designed for residential developments, along with its space management platform for B2B customers, LG ThinQ Pro.

Boten Border Checkpoint in Luang Namtha Surpasses Revenue Target

Boten International Checkpoint in Luang Namtha Province, Laos

Boten International Checkpoint collected over LAK 3,200 billion (about USD 149 million) in customs revenue in 2025, exceeding its annual target by 18.41 percent, officials confirmed.

The border facility, located in Namtha district on the Laos-China border in northern Laos, connects to Mohan Port in China’s Yunnan Province.

Head of the checkpoint Panmalai Luangsouvan reported on 13 February that the border collected LAK 3,211 billion (around USD 149 million), LAK 499 billion (USD 22.7 million) above the planned figure, against an assigned target of LAK 2,712 billion (approximately USD 123.5 million) for the year.

The checkpoint also recorded strong year-on-year growth, with revenue rising by LAK 727.6 billion (USD 33.1 million), representing an increase of 29.3 percent compared to 2024.

Panmalai said the higher revenue was driven by multiple sources, including collections linked to the Laos-China Railway, the settlement of various legal cases, and fines imposed on vehicles that overstayed their permitted time in Laos. Penalties were also collected from tourist vehicles, freight trucks, and cargo containers that exceeded their authorized duration.

Exports remain the primary source of customs revenue at the checkpoint. 

Goods passing through Boten include forest products, minerals, fuel and oil, vehicles and spare parts, construction materials, electrical appliances, consumer goods, and fuel tanks.

Looking ahead to 2026, Panmalai said the checkpoint will build on its strengths, explore new revenue sources, and strengthen coordination with relevant agencies to meet or exceed future targets.