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

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

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