Laos is moving ahead with plans to open its embassy in Timor-Leste, aiming to boost diplomatic ties with the new ASEAN member.
The initiative was a key focus during a visit by Phongsamouth Anlavan, Laos’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Dili from 18 to 22 January.
The talks centered on speeding up the embassy’s opening and expanding cooperation in areas such as economic development, agriculture, technical training, and human resources.
Timor-Leste’s Acting Foreign Minister, Agio Pereira, expressed gratitude for Laos’ support throughout Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership journey, which culminated when the nation joined as the bloc’s 11th member in October 2025.
Both sides committed to strengthening ties through institutional partnerships and regional cooperation.
Timor-Leste has allocated land and property in Dili for the future Lao Embassy, following a land exchange agreement both countries signed in October 2024.
In August 2025, they also completed visa exemption arrangements that now allow diplomatic, official, and ordinary passport holders to travel visa-free for up to 30 days.
The two nations established diplomatic relations in July 2002. Timor-Leste opened its resident embassy in Vientiane in July 2014, and Laos’ planned embassy opening in Dili will complete the bilateral diplomatic presence.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webp00Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-01-28 10:00:002026-01-28 09:51:42Laos Advances Preparations to Open Embassy in Timor-Leste, Deputy Minister Says
The Naphao International Border Checkpoint that connects Laos’ Khammouane Province and Vietnam’s Quang Binh Province generated LAK 634.65 billion (USD 29.20 million) in customs tax revenue in 2025, significantly surpassing its annual target set by the Ministry of Finance.
According to Souphat Sousengthai, Head of the Tax Department, the checkpoint was assigned a customs revenue target of LAK 398 billion (approximately USD 18.31 million) for 2025. The final collection reached 159 percent of the annual plan, exceeding the target by LAK 236.652 billion (about USD 10.89 million).
Compared to 2024, when revenue stood at LAK 357.161 billion (USD 16.43 million), the 2025 figure represents an increase of LAK 277.491 billion (approximately USD 12.76 million), equivalent to a 77.69 percent year-on-year growth.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Finance has set a customs revenue target of LAK 643.21 billion (about USD 29.61 million) for the Naphao International Border Checkpoint in 2026.
To meet this goal, authorities plan to further enhance efficiency by streamlining customs procedures, reducing operational backlogs, and strengthening coordination among relevant agencies.
The border serves as the most active trade gateway between Laos and Vietnam, with most of the revenue coming from exports of various minerals, petroleum, equipment and machinery, service fees, and other commodities.
On 26 to 30 January, the 21st Lao Food Festival celebrates the richness of Lao cuisine at Chao Anouvong Park under the theme “Discover Laos Through Its Taste.”
One of the country’s most anticipated cultural events, the festival brings together more than 180 shops featuring regional specialties, local products, and traditional culinary practices from across Laos.
Visitors can experience the diversity of Lao food, local agricultural products, handicrafts, and community brands from north to south while enjoying the lively atmosphere along the Mekong River.
Lao Brewery Company (LBC) continues its long-standing role as a main strategic partner, sponsoring this year’s festival and reaffirming its commitment to Lao food culture and local communities. LBC’s flagship drink, deeply rooted in Lao dining culture, complements a wide range of dishes and enhances the shared experience around the table, making it a central feature of the festival.
The festival highlights the role of women in Lao cuisine, promoting local ingredients, and encouraging new businesses, making it a celebration of national and cultural identity.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webp00Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-01-27 08:23:002026-01-28 11:27:30Lao Food Festival 2026 Showcases the Flavors of Laos at Chao Anouvong Park
Laos Advances Preparations to Open Embassy in Timor-Leste, Deputy Minister Says
Laos is moving ahead with plans to open its embassy in Timor-Leste, aiming to boost diplomatic ties with the new ASEAN member.
The initiative was a key focus during a visit by Phongsamouth Anlavan, Laos’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Dili from 18 to 22 January.
The talks centered on speeding up the embassy’s opening and expanding cooperation in areas such as economic development, agriculture, technical training, and human resources.
Timor-Leste’s Acting Foreign Minister, Agio Pereira, expressed gratitude for Laos’ support throughout Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership journey, which culminated when the nation joined as the bloc’s 11th member in October 2025.
Both sides committed to strengthening ties through institutional partnerships and regional cooperation.
Timor-Leste has allocated land and property in Dili for the future Lao Embassy, following a land exchange agreement both countries signed in October 2024.
In August 2025, they also completed visa exemption arrangements that now allow diplomatic, official, and ordinary passport holders to travel visa-free for up to 30 days.
The two nations established diplomatic relations in July 2002. Timor-Leste opened its resident embassy in Vientiane in July 2014, and Laos’ planned embassy opening in Dili will complete the bilateral diplomatic presence.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/27/laos-advances-preparations-to-open-embassy-in-timor-leste-deputy-minister-says/
Lao-Vietnam Naphao International Border Checkpoint Exceeds 2025 Customs Revenue Target by 159 Percent
The Naphao International Border Checkpoint that connects Laos’ Khammouane Province and Vietnam’s Quang Binh Province generated LAK 634.65 billion (USD 29.20 million) in customs tax revenue in 2025, significantly surpassing its annual target set by the Ministry of Finance.
According to Souphat Sousengthai, Head of the Tax Department, the checkpoint was assigned a customs revenue target of LAK 398 billion (approximately USD 18.31 million) for 2025. The final collection reached 159 percent of the annual plan, exceeding the target by LAK 236.652 billion (about USD 10.89 million).
Compared to 2024, when revenue stood at LAK 357.161 billion (USD 16.43 million), the 2025 figure represents an increase of LAK 277.491 billion (approximately USD 12.76 million), equivalent to a 77.69 percent year-on-year growth.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Finance has set a customs revenue target of LAK 643.21 billion (about USD 29.61 million) for the Naphao International Border Checkpoint in 2026.
To meet this goal, authorities plan to further enhance efficiency by streamlining customs procedures, reducing operational backlogs, and strengthening coordination among relevant agencies.
The border serves as the most active trade gateway between Laos and Vietnam, with most of the revenue coming from exports of various minerals, petroleum, equipment and machinery, service fees, and other commodities.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/27/lao-vietnam-naphao-international-border-checkpoint-exceeds-2025-customs-revenue-target-by-159-percent/
Lao Food Festival 2026 Showcases the Flavors of Laos at Chao Anouvong Park
On 26 to 30 January, the 21st Lao Food Festival celebrates the richness of Lao cuisine at Chao Anouvong Park under the theme “Discover Laos Through Its Taste.”
One of the country’s most anticipated cultural events, the festival brings together more than 180 shops featuring regional specialties, local products, and traditional culinary practices from across Laos.
Visitors can experience the diversity of Lao food, local agricultural products, handicrafts, and community brands from north to south while enjoying the lively atmosphere along the Mekong River.
Lao Brewery Company (LBC) continues its long-standing role as a main strategic partner, sponsoring this year’s festival and reaffirming its commitment to Lao food culture and local communities. LBC’s flagship drink, deeply rooted in Lao dining culture, complements a wide range of dishes and enhances the shared experience around the table, making it a central feature of the festival.
The festival highlights the role of women in Lao cuisine, promoting local ingredients, and encouraging new businesses, making it a celebration of national and cultural identity.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/27/lao-food-festival-2026-showcases-the-flavors-of-laos-at-chao-anouvong-park/