Laos Calls for Stronger Mekong Cooperation on Digital Growth, Clean Energy, and Water Management

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane has called for deeper Mekong cooperation to strengthen digital growth, clean energy, and water resource management to improve the lives of people across the region.

Thongsavanh made his remark on 15 August at the 10th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Anning, Yunnan Province, China. 

There, he stressed the need for forward-looking collaboration that delivers tangible benefits to the region’s people. 

The official urged member states to prioritize resilient economies, digital transformation, sustainable water management, human resource development, and responses to emerging security challenges, while highlighting agriculture, clean energy, and tourism as key growth sectors.

Thongsavanh also praised the LMC’s achievements over the past nine years, noting that the LMC Special Fund, established in 2017, has already financed more than 100 projects in Laos worth over USD 26 million.

The meeting, co-chaired by China and Thailand, reviewed progress under the LMC’s three pillars, including Political-Security, Sustainable Development, and Social-Cultural Exchange, and five priority areas: connectivity, water resource management, agriculture and poverty reduction, cross-border trade, and production capacity. 

Laos Reaffirms Support for Myanmar Peace, Regional Security

On the same day, the Lao foreign minister joined a special meeting with China, Thailand, and Myanmar to discuss regional security and the evolving situation in Myanmar. 

He reaffirmed Laos’ support for a “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned” political process, stressing that stability there is vital for regional peace and development.

In addition, the ministers reviewed Myanmar’s situation since the military takeover in 2021, including plans for a general election in late 2025 or early 2026. They pledged closer cooperation to combat transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, human trafficking.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/18/laos-calls-for-stronger-mekong-cooperation-on-digital-growth-clean-energy-and-water-management/

Attapeu’s Economy Grows 2.8% in First Half of 2025

Attapeu province’s economy expanded by 2.81 percent in the first half of 2025, but authorities say more work is needed to meet the full-year target of 5.4 percent. 

Deputy Governor Thanouxay Banxalith reported the figures during the 9th Ordinary Session of the 2nd Provincial People’s Council on 7 August, noting that the province’s total economy is currently valued at about LAK 1,922 billion (USD 88.4 million), or roughly a quarter of the year’s goal.

Thanouxay said the average annual income per person in Attapeu now stands at LAK 21.9 million (USD 1,007). While some sectors have shown promising results, others are falling behind expectations, requiring stronger coordination in the months ahead.

Agriculture and Industry Lead Growth

According to the official, agriculture and forestry remain the province’s primary growth drivers, expanding by 3.64 percent and contributing 49.47 percent of total GDP. Dry-season rice production reached 63 percent of the annual target, with yields averaging 3 tonnes per hectare and totaling 1,519 tonnes. 

Other dry-season crops achieved 56 percent of the goal, while meat, fish, and egg production stood at 52 percent. Cash crops such as watermelon, tobacco, cassava, and coffee also made notable contributions.

Industry grew by 1.85 percent, accounting for 22.32 percent of GDP. Thanouxay reported that processed goods were valued at LAK 513 billion (USD 23.5 million), reaching 20 percent of the annual target.

 Electricity generation exceeded 2,196 gigawatt-hours, bringing in over USD 113 million, THB 10 billion, and LAK 14 billion in revenue. Mining also continued to play an important role, with active extraction of gold, silver, iron ore, and bauxite.

Services and Tourism Lag Behind

The provincial deputy governor noted that the services sector saw the slowest growth, at just 1.33 percent, making up 28.2 percent of GDP. Trade value surpassed LAK 8 trillion (USD 368 million), achieving 48 percent of the yearly target.

Tourism welcomed 71,677 visitors in the first six months of the year, which is 47 percent of the annual goal. Revenue from tourism reached LAK 33 billion (USD 1.51 million), or 52 percent of the yearly projection, according to the deputy governor.

To close the gap and meet the 2025 growth target, Thanouxay called for stronger collaboration between sectors, timely project implementation, and effective execution of policies outlined in the province’s socio-economic development plan.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/11/attapeus-economy-grows-2-8-in-first-half-of-2025/

Education Ministry, World Vision Strengthen Early Childhood Education Efforts

The Ministry of Education and Sports, in partnership with World Vision International Laos, has expanded its efforts to improve early childhood education in rural communities with the official launch of a new phase of a long-term learning initiative in Xonnabouly district.

The launch, held on 8 August, included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony and a start-up workshop, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and Sports of Savannakhet Province and World Vision. 

The second phase of the Improving Learning Outcomes for Early Childhood and Primary Education project will support children, parents, and schools in 10 remote villages.

The same day, officials from the Ministry visited Savannakhet to observe how the project is being implemented on the ground, as part of routine monitoring activities.

Tackling Barriers to Learning

The initiative, funded by World Vision International, aims to give children aged 3 to 5 a stronger start in school and improve reading and writing skills among pupils in Grades 1 to 3. The project also promotes safe, inclusive, and healthy learning environments.

Officials observed classroom activities in local preschools, reviewed teaching materials developed by community educators, and met with parents and local leaders. 

Special attention was given to the inclusion of children with disabilities, as part of a broader commitment to education for all.

Two Phases, One Goal

Phase I of the project began with the signing of an MoU on 21 October 2022 in Attapeu Province. The first phase is being implemented in Sanamxay district, where 13 schools across 12 villages are receiving support. 

Running through to September 2025, this phase benefits more than 11,500 people and is backed by USD 800,000 in funding.

Phase Two, which officially launched this month, will continue until September 2028. 

It will support ten schools across ten villages in Xonnabouly district, reaching approximately 6,380 people. 

With a total investment of USD 840,000, this phase builds on the successes of the first by placing greater emphasis on parental involvement and stronger school-community partnerships to make education more accessible and sustainable.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/13/education-ministry-world-vision-strengthen-early-childhood-education-efforts/

World Elephant Day: Laos’ ‘Land of a Million Elephants’ Now Home to Just 500-1,000

On 12 August, the world marks World Elephant Day, a day to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect these majestic creatures. In Laos, once known as Lane Xang – the “Land of a Million Elephants” – the elephant population has drastically declined. 

Today, only 500 to 1,000 elephants remain, just one-third of the number from two decades ago. Conservationists warn that for every one or two elephants born each year in Laos, around ten die, putting the species at risk of disappearing from the country altogether.

Elephants continue to hold a special place as Laos’ national animal and a powerful cultural symbol. 

Most wild elephants are found in the Nam Poui National Protected Area (NPA) in Laos’ northwestern Xayabouly Province, which spans 191,200 hectares across Phiang, Paklay, and Thongmixay districts along the Lao-Thai border. 

This province also hosts the annual Elephant Festival, celebrating elephant heritage and promoting conservation efforts.

The Elephant Conservation Center in Xayabouly cares for the largest herd under human care in Laos, with over 25 elephants. Since the 2018 ban on illegal logging, many elephants once used in the timber industry have been redirected to tourism, while others have been sold to zoos, circuses, and breeders.

Global Elephant Population Under Threat

Globally, the situation is also critical. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants remain in the wild, including only 8,000 to 11,000 in Southeast Asia, where habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflict continue to threaten their survival.

Worldwide, about 450,000 elephants remain.

Asian elephants have been classified as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List since 1986. 

Every year, an estimated 20,000 wild elephants are killed for their ivory, hides, and other body parts.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/12/world-elephant-day-laos-land-of-a-million-elephants-now-home-to-just-500-1000/

Lao Foreign Minister Visits Singapore, The Philippines

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane completed official visits to Singapore and the Philippines, reaffirming Laos’ commitment to strengthening cooperation on trade, human resource development, clean energy, regional security, and people-to-people initiatives.

On 11-12 August, Minister Thongsavanh met with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

The two leaders reviewed past bilateral and multilateral cooperation and explored future collaboration in trade and investment, human resource development, food security, clean energy, carbon credits, and volunteer programs. 

The deployment of Singaporean volunteers to Laos was highlighted as a key initiative.

The ministers expressed satisfaction with 51 years of strong bilateral relations, emphasizing regular high-level visits and growing people-to-people ties. 

Both parties pledged to continue promoting cooperation across various sectors and within regional frameworks such as ASEAN.

Visit to the Philippines: Strengthening Regional Cooperation

Following Singapore, Minister Thongsavanh traveled to Manila, where he met Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro on 13 August for the 3rd Philippines–Laos Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC).

Discussions focused on strengthening defense, security, trade, and economic relations, with both sides emphasizing a shared vision for a stronger and more resilient Southeast Asia. Key topics included boosting trade and economic ties, addressing regional security challenges, and combating transnational crimes such as human trafficking.

The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Laos’ national development priorities, including human resource development, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, while Laos pledged closer cooperation in these areas and in energy, agriculture, ICT, and education.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/14/wrap-lao-foreign-minister-visits-singapore-the-philippines/

Champasack Draws 426,000 Visitors in First 7 Months of 2025

Champasack Draws 426,000 Visitors in First 7 Months of 2025

Champasack Province attracted 426,126 visitors in the first seven months of 2025, Vannaxay Sardtakoun, Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism, reported told Lao media on 11 August.

According to the official, the province generated over USD 55 million in tourism revenue during this period, an 8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

The tourists included 172,773 domestic visitors, 73,142 border tourists, and 180,211 international travelers. This performance allowed Champasack to surpass its annual visitor target of 350,958 by attracting 121 percent of the planned number within just seven months.

Key attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage site Vat Phou, the Bolaven Plateau, and the Mekong River continue to attract both domestic and international tourists, Vannaxay noted.

The provincial government also focuses on improving tourism infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices to enhance visitor experiences.

Elsewhere in Laos, Luang Prabang reported nearly LAK 700 billion (USD 32 million) in tourism revenue during the first five months of 2025.

So far, Laos welcomed over 2.3 million tourists in the first half of the year, up from 2.1 million in the same period last year. The country aims to exceed its target of 4.5 million visitors by the end of 2025, building on last year’s total of more than 4.1 million tourists.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/12/champasack-draws-426000-visitors-in-first-7-months-of-2025/

Japan Donates USD 10.5 Million in Road Repair Equipment to Laos

On 8 August, Japan handed over road and bridge repair equipment and machinery worth JPY 1.5 billion (about USD 10.5 million) to the Lao Government under the 2023 Economic and Social Development Programme. 

The assistance was provided in response to a request from the Laos’ Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) for a complete set of heavy construction machinery to improve and maintain roads for long-term use.

Japanese Ambassador to Laos Koizumi Tsutomu highlighted Japan’s long-standing support for Laos’ infrastructure development, citing major projects such as the Second Mekong Friendship Bridge, Pakse Bridge, Sekong Bridge, the upgrade of Wattay International Airport, and improvements to National Road No. 1 in Vientiane Capital. 

He noted that many infrastructure assets have deteriorated over time.

The Lao minister of public works, Leklay Sivilay, expressed gratitude, noting this is the second such grant from Japan. 

Previously, Japan gave JPY 800 million (about USD 5.6 million) to repair and upgrade roads nationwide damaged by natural disasters.

Severe floods and landslides in recent years have damaged road networks across Laos, disrupting travel, goods transport, and economic connectivity. 

The newly donated equipment will be allocated to three MPWT state enterprises to strengthen their capacity in surveying, upgrading, maintenance, and construction, gradually improving road quality nationwide.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/09/japan-donates-usd-10-5-million-in-road-repair-equipment-to-laos/

VISA Partners with M moneyX to Expand Digital Payments in Laos

Lao Mobile Money Sole Co., Ltd., the operator of M moneyX, has signed a major partnership with global payments giant VISA to bring secure and convenient digital payment services to Laos.

The deal aims to expand access to cashless transactions, especially for the unbanked, and support the country’s push toward a digital economy.

Signed in Hanoi by M moneyX CEO Alounnadeth Barnchit and VISA Country Manager Dang Tuyet Dung, the agreement will allow M moneyX users to make everyday transactions such as QR payments, mobile top-ups, and international money transfers.

The partnership also includes plans for co-branded VISA cards, cross-border remittance features, and seamless global payments through VISA Pay.

“We want the Lao people to realise that using M moneyX service is not complex or difficult, but it is a tool for everyone, making life easier, money safer, and payments possible anywhere,” Alounnadeth said.

Witnesses to the signing included top officials from Lao Telecom, the parent company of Lao Mobile Money.

This collaboration marks a step forward in creating a more inclusive and modern financial ecosystem for the Lao population.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/04/visa-partners-with-m-moneyx-to-expand-digital-payments-in-laos/

Laos Highlights Challenges, Aspirations at 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum

At the 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum held in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, representatives from Laos emphasized the country’s determination to modernize its media landscape while preserving its cultural diversity and ensuring fair representation on global platforms.

The forum, which gathered nearly 100 media professionals from over 50 countries, served as a space for exchanging ideas on how to strengthen global cooperation among journalists. 

Discussions touched on the role of media in bridging cultural gaps, the impact of artificial intelligence on reporting, and the need for more inclusive narratives in global news.

Balancing Modernization, Cultural Preservation in Journalism

Speaking at the forum, Savankhone Razmountry, President of the Lao Journalists Association, highlighted the dual responsibility that journalists face today: adapting to new technologies while upholding human values and protecting cultural identity.

“The theme of this forum, ‘Promoting Civilizational Dialogues and Global Modernization with Power of Journalists,’ captures precisely the dual responsibility that we, as storytellers, now shoulder,” he said. 

“To modernize responsibly, embracing digital tools, data, and AI without abandoning the human values that give journalism its meaning; and to preserve, celebrate and connect cultures, so that progress remains inclusive and no voice is drowned out.”

Savankhone noted that Laos, with more than 50 ethnic groups and a growing young population, continues to find innovative ways to communicate despite limited resources. 

“Our experience demonstrates that small markets need not be silent ones,” he added, pointing to efforts in bilingual reporting, cross-border collaboration, and social media integration. 

Savankhone concluded by saying that the Lao Journalists Association aims to learn from larger countries how to improve content quality, develop sustainable revenue models, and apply AI in ways that assist rather than replace editorial judgment.

Laos Urges Collective Action on Media Fairness in Digital Age

Also representing Laos at the forum was Aditta Kittikhoun, Senior Partner at RDK Group, one of the country’s largest media conglomerates. 

He focused on the structural challenges that small media markets like Laos face when dealing with powerful tech companies that shape how news is distributed online.

“As a small market, Laos alone lacks the leverage to negotiate with major tech platforms for equitable media distribution policies,” Aditta said.

“However, when we join forces through regional blocs like ASEAN or networks such as the BRJN, we amplify our voice. This collective approach is sure to increase the likelihood of bringing these companies to the table to address issues of profound public interest ranging from algorithmic transparency to the sustainability of journalism in our region.”

New Initiatives Promote Regional Collaboration,  Support for Journalists

Building on these challenges, The forum also saw the launch of several initiatives aimed at strengthening ties among journalists across borders. 

These included the “International Home of Journalists” volunteer program and the official opening of the Belt and Road Journalists’ Station in Jiangxi, designed to support foreign media working in China. 

With a focus on building lasting networks and sharing experiences, the event provided valuable opportunities for participants to visit cities like Nanchang and Jingdezhen, gaining firsthand insight into local development and deepening their understanding of cultural and technological changes shaping the region. 

For Laos, engaging in such collaborative platforms marks a step toward greater influence and partnership within the global media community.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/25/laos-highlights-challenges-aspirations-at-2025-belt-and-road-journalists-forum/

Lao President Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Ties with Russia Ahead of Official Visit

Ahead of his official visit to the Russian Federation from 30 July to 1 August, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Laos and Russia.

In a message published by both Russia’s state news agency and Lao state media, President Thongloun, himself a former student in Russia, described the visit as a heartfelt return. He called it a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and reaffirm the enduring relationship that continues to support peace, development, and mutual progress.

The roots of Lao-Russian relations stretch back to Laos’s struggle for independence, when the Soviet Union supported the Lao revolutionary movement. Formal diplomatic relations were established on 7 October 1960.

Following the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975, the Soviet Union played a key role in rebuilding the war-torn country, supporting healthcare, education, defence, and economic recovery.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Laos recognised the Russian Federation as its successor state in 1991. Their partnership entered a new phase with the signing of the 1994 Treaty on the Principles of Friendly Relations. Since then, cooperation has expanded across political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural sectors. The relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2011.

President Thongloun praised Russia’s humanitarian efforts, particularly its assistance in clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos, the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world. He expressed deep gratitude, calling the effort lasting proof of Russia’s friendship.

Economic ties have also grown, particularly in the mining, energy, and investment sectors. In 2024, more than 48,000 Russian tourists visited Laos, a sign of strengthening people-to-people connections.

The President also highlighted Russia’s contributions to capacity-building, noting that many Lao professionals have benefited from Russian educational programmes.

The visit coincides with several significant occasions: the Victory Day celebrations marking the end of the Second World War, the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Laos and Russia, and the 60th anniversary of the Lao-Russian Friendship Associations.

President Thongloun had initially planned to visit Russia in May to attend Victory Day celebrations, but the trip was postponed due to a COVID-19 infection. Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane represented him in his absence.

Following that visit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed appreciation for Laos’s support in providing medical and psychological care to Russian military personnel.

Later this year, the two countries are scheduled to hold the Laros-2025 joint military exercises in Laos, further solidifying defence cooperation.

source:https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/30/lao-president-reaffirms-commitment-to-deepening-ties-with-russia-ahead-of-official-visit/