Vientiane (VNA) – The Lao national news agency KPL on August 16 published an editorial highlighting the importance of Vietnam-Laos cooperation in building and strengthening the State apparatus, while commemorating the significant contributions of late Lao National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane to the close ties between the two legislatures.
According to the editorial, building and strengthening the State apparatus, particularly the highest legislative bodies, is an urgent requirement for both Laos and Vietnam in their respective national construction and defence efforts. In that context, the two countries have intensified the exchange of lessons and experience and cooperation in State and legislature building. Such cooperation is rooted in similarities in history, development paths and ideals, as well as mutual trust, which forms a solid foundation for the Laos-Vietnam relationship.
KPL stressed that sharing experience is crucial to streamlining and strengthening the State apparatus, improving its effectiveness and efficiency, and meeting requirements in the new situation. The two Parties, States and National Assemblies have therefore continued to deepen their close relationship and cooperation through regular exchanges of experience and mutual learning in the process of building and consolidating State institutions and the supreme legislative bodies.
For Laos, the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) on December 2, 1975 made reorganising the State apparatus an urgent task. Given the similarities in their ideals and paths toward building a new society, Vietnam's experience in State organisation, particularly the role of the NA as the highest legislative and supervisory body and the institution responsible for deciding on major national issues, is of great importance to Laos.
The editorial concluded that collaboration and mutual assistance in improving the State apparatus, as well as enhancing the legislative and supreme supervisory capacity of the two National Assemblies, will remain a top priority. This reflects the practical requirements of national construction and defence, the pursuit of socialism and the renewal process under the leadership of the ruling Parties in each country, while contributing to the preservation and strengthening of the close, loyal and enduring ties between the Parties, States and people of Laos and Vietnam./.
See more
ASEAN's 59th founding anniversary celebrated in Israel
Relations between Israel and ASEAN countries have expanded in recent years across the fields of trade, investment, technology, agriculture, tourism and innovation.
E-commerce helps boost exports for Malaysian businesses
The programme, spearheaded by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade), has supported more than 2,000 MSMEs through grants, training, technical guidance and capacity-building initiatives.
Indonesia to export 1,000 tonnes of premium rice to Malaysia
Indonesia has announced plans to export 1,000 tonnes of premium rice to Malaysia, with state-run logistics company Bulog describing the planned shipment as a showcase of the country’s growing food security, Antara news agency reported.
Philippines suspends in-person classes amid heavy rains, flooding
Schools and government agencies in affected areas were directed to adopt alternative work arrangements, except for frontline services such as health, disaster response and other essential functions.
ASEAN, India finalise preparations for second maritime exercise
The Philippine and Indian navies have finalised preparations for the second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) scheduled for September 28 - October 2 in the waters of the Philippines.
Thailand uses tech to convert plastic waste into oil
Patcharatarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, deputy spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, said on August 16 that the Government is working to reduce living costs and generate income for the public by applying science, technology, and innovation to turn "waste" around people into career and income opportunities for households while easing the community's landfill burden.
ASEAN Family Day 2026 fosters community ties, ASEAN spirit in New York
Notably, this was the first time Timor-Leste joined the event as a full ASEAN member.
Singapore strives to preserve essential green spaces
Singapore's statistics show that its population has now reached around 6.11 million. Rapid population growth is placing significant pressure on land resources and the pace of new development.
Indonesia steps up earthquake search, rescue, relief efforts
Indonesia is stepping up search and rescue operations and providing assistance to residents following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck offshore near Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province on the morning of August 15, the Indonesian news agency Antara reported.
Malaysia targets 21 billion USD in energy savings by 2035
Economic Minister Akmal Nasrullah said the plan aims to reduce national energy demand by 11.6% from business-as-usual projections and cut 26.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2035.
Indonesia earthquake death toll rises, 2,000 evacuated
The earthquake struck off Flores Island near Mbay town in Nagekeo district, East Nusa Tenggara province, triggering strong aftershocks. Several houses and other structures were damaged, while landslides disrupted roads in some areas.
Cambodia moves to keep pace with growing EV market
A report from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport showed that as many as 6,174 new EVs were registered in the Southeast Asian country during the first half of this year, bringing the total number of officially registered EVs to 15,239.
China-ASEAN trade up over 18% in H1
Trade in intermediate goods, including parts, components and production inputs, rose 24.5% to 2.86 trillion CNY during the period, accounting for around two-thirds of total bilateral trade.
Malaysia’s economy grows 6% in Q2, beating forecasts
Malaysia’s economy grew by 6% in the second quarter of 2026, exceeding previous forecasts, thanks to sustained domestic demand, strong export growth, and expansion in the services and manufacturing sectors.
Indonesia retains top spot in Southeast Asia’s aviation market
Indonesia accounted for the largest share with 11 million seats, followed by Vietnam with 7.3 million, Thailand with 7.2 million, Malaysia with 5.4 million and the Philippines with 4.8 million.
Malaysia eyes becoming ASEAN’s AI hub
Malaysia possessed the fundamentals to emerge as ASEAN's digital and AI hub, including its strategic location, strong connectivity, growing digital ecosystem and rising investor confidence, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
Philippines proposes restricting minors’ social media use
A bill in the House of Representatives seeks to ban social media use for children under 13 while a separate Senate proposal extends the restriction to those under 16.
Malaysia eyes regional air transport hub status
Stronger connectivity was essential for the movement of capital and goods, while helping deepen Malaysia's economic ties with major regional centres, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
US imposes 10% reciprocal tariff on Indonesian goods
The tariff came from a US investigation conducted under the Section 301 mechanism regarding the issue of forced labour.
Vietnam, India emerge on Asia-Pacific aviation map
Vietnam is considered one of the most promising markets in Southeast Asia in terms of international visitor numbers and travel demand. The country plans to increase the number of airports to 30 by 2030 to meet the needs of its rapidly growing economy.