Laos

Thailand has eased oil export controls to Laos, allowing shipments to resume under revised monitoring measures; The move follows supply disruptions and aims to stabilise cross-border energy trade

An agreement for a 100-megawatt solar power plant in Oudomxay province was signed with a South Korean energy company including panels, transmission links and grid integration; Laos aims to diversify beyond hydropower and attract foreign investments

Construction began on a Vietnam-backed aluminum project in Sekong following approval of land use, environment impact, licenses; it includes mine development, processing hub and supporting infrastructure, and is part of Laos’ minerals-led growth strategy

Laos and Vietnam will establish a joint university in Laos and expand student exchange programs; The initiative seeks to strengthen bilateral ties, improve higher education and develop human capital through closer academic and institutional cooperation

Funding to restore degraded forests in Xe Bang Nouan National Protected Area was approved by ADB; The project will reforest damaged land, improve watershed management and support local communities with sustainable forestry, climate-resilient activities

Laos has been included in the list of countries facing full entry restrictions following new US travel ban; Washington cites security concerns, while critics argue the move is politically driven and risks harming diplomatic and economic ties

Planned its exit from Least Developed Country status, Laos set a timeline, starting work on a readiness assessment; The government aims to strengthen economic resilience and meet UN criteria, focusing on stability, human capital and sustainable growth

A major local government overhaul will create 640 new sub-districts; The reform aims to streamline governance, bring authorities closer to communities, and strengthen local development as part of a broader modernization push

Mineral sector has exceeded its five-year production and revenue targets; The government credits stricter oversight, improved licensing, and stronger environmental standards

K-Food Ingredient Trade Mission was held in Vientiane; organized by KOTRA, it promotes Korean food ingredients and linking Korean suppliers with Lao buyers through B2B meetings and a public K-Food festival, marking 30 years of Korea-Laos ties

Utility Électricité du Laos EDL-Nam Theun 2 signed a contract with Indonesia’s state-owned INK to enhance hydropower capacity; The deal targets modernization, increased generation, and better grid integration to support Laos’s energy export goals

Female civil servants are now eligible for maternity leave ranging from 4 up to 6,5 months for mothers expecting twins; miscarriages earn one month of leave, with medical extensions as needed

The government is enforcing stricter penalties on tobacco companies that fail to comply with new graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, aiming to curb smoking and protect public health