The Lao media described the visit as a diplomatic event of historic significance, marking an important strategic milestone in advancing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries into a new stage of more substantive and sustainable development.
At the January 28 meeting, the two sides briefed each other on recent activities and exchanged views on a range of key issues, including ensuring that measures against illegal entry and exit are conducted in accordance with the laws of both countries, preventing illicit drug trafficking, and strengthening close coordination at all levels in border inspections to jointly safeguard security, safety and order in their respective border areas.
ADB Country Director for Laos Shanny Campbell stated that the bank is committed to partnering with the Lao government to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development. The projects will focus on strengthening the food system, primary healthcare, skills training for a green economy, and responsible forest management.
Founded in 2023, Aquaculture of Lao was created to tackle one of the sector’s most persistent risks: sudden changes in water quality that can wipe out an entire production cycle overnight.
The successful 14th National Congress of the CPV reflects the confidence, determination and renewed development vision of Vietnam, according to Lao media.
The 14th National Congress of the CPV embodies confidence and aspirations for development, noting the event continues to consolidate public trust in the Party while inspiring strong determination among the Vietnamese people, according to the Lao media.
The cooperation reflects strategic progress in energy collaboration among Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, enhancing cross-border electricity trade through more effective regional energy resource management.
Known for being one of Southeast Asia’s best kept secrets, experts said 2026 will be the year for Laos to start attracting discerning travelers. Traversed by the Mekong River, Laos features mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture and an abundance of Buddhist monasteries.
Reporting on defence and security work over the past five years, he noted that despite numerous challenges, Laos has recorded significant achievements under the direct, comprehensive and resolute leadership of the LPRP, the guidance of the Central Commission for Defence–Security, the solidarity and efforts of administrations at all levels, sectors, local authorities and the Lao people, along with cooperation from strategic partners.
Political and diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Laos have continued to be strengthened and increasingly deepened, as reflected in the mutual agreement to add the notion of “strategic cohesion” to bilateral relations.
The congress adopted the LPRP's third Political Platform, which is a key document defining the basic direction for the Party’s strategy and vision through to 2055.
Among its goals, Laos aims to develop an independent and self-reliant economy by capitalising on the country’s potential and advantages, thus ensuring stable, sustainable, and quality economic growth.
The Lao Government will also work to foster strong development momentum by mobilising public participation, encouraging self-reliance among citizens and businesses, and improving the quality of human resources, while building an independent and self-reliant economy capable of deeper regional and global integration.
Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU) Thongly Sisoulith said that the Youth and Adolescents Development Strategy, which is integrated into the 10th five-year socio-economic development plan, is a key component reflecting the Party and State’s clear orientation toward human resources development in service of the country’s sustainable development in the future.
Laos’ gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by an average of at least 6% annually. GDP per capita is targeted to reach 3,104 USD by 2030, while gross national income (GNI) per capita is projected to rise to 2,914 USD.
The 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) opened in Vientiane on the morning of January 6, setting out orientations, policies and plans for Party and national affairs in the coming period. It will also define a long-term vision to deepen the Party’s renewal policy.
For the next five years, Laos targets average annual GDP growth of at least 6%, with per capita GDP reaching 3,104 USD, while State budget revenue is expected to reach 554.4 trillion LAK (about 25.2 billion USD), equivalent to at least 20.95% of GDP.
Despite facing considerable challenges related to the economy, finance and currency, along with persistent social difficulties, Laos has successfully carried out the orientations and targets it set. Economic growth has been maintained, macroeconomic fundamentals have remained largely stable, inflation risks have been contained, and key economic indicators have gradually recovered and strengthened.
The 1,350m bridge significantly shortens the distance from Buengkan in northeastern Thailand, through Bolikhamxay in central Laos, to the Cau Treo border gate in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province to just over 200 km, compared to more than 350 km previously, creating the shortest and most convenient route for transporting goods from Thailand to Vietnam.
According to the WB’s latest report on the Lao economy, GDP growth in 2025 is projected at 4.2%, driven by a rebound in tourism, transport services, and continued expansion of the resource sector.
Chea Serey, governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, and Bounkham Vorachit, governor of the Bank of Laos, presided over the launching event held in Phnom Penh.
The Party, State, Government, National Assembly and people of Laos gathered in a rally in Vientiane on December 12 to mark the 105th birth anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane (December 13).
In his address, General Secretary and President Thongloun recalled that 50 years ago, the site hosted a mass mobilisation of revolutionary forces and patriotic Lao people to seize power in Vientiane, paving the way for the National Congress to abolish colonial and feudal rule and proclaim the establishment of the Lao PDR on December 2, 1975. He stressed that the historic victory profoundly changed the nation’s destiny, ushering in a new era of independence, unity and development, and ensuring a peaceful, prosperous and happy life for all ethnic groups in Laos.
Looking ahead, the IMF stressed that Laos must address deeper structural challenges to boost long-term growth. It highlighted the importance of better governance, stronger human development, and a more supportive business environment.
Cargo volumes handled via the China-Laos Railway reached a record high of 4.506 million tonnes between January and October, up 12.8% year-on-year, China Media Group (CMG) has reported.