AGP Executive Report

Workforce: Thirty jobseekers and returnee migrants completed electrical and air-conditioner repair training in Vientiane, gaining practical skills aimed at growing service-sector demand. Trade Links: Laos’ public works minister inspected roads and border crossings in Phongsaly serving links with China and Vietnam, with the visit focused on connectivity for regional trade. Vietnam Investment: More than 200 Vietnamese firms have about US$1.4 billion invested in Lao agriculture, forestry and livestock; both countries are targeting US$10 billion in annual trade by 2030. Debt and Investment: Laos owed China US$5.31 billion in 2024, the tenth-highest amount among countries in the ranking. Laos is also seeking Swedish investment in clean energy and tourism as it prepares to graduate from least-developed-country status at year-end. Telecoms: Thailand’s AIS agreed to acquire a 49% stake in Lao Telecom for about US$43.35 million, bringing fresh foreign capital into the sector.

Digital Trade: Vietnam aims to finish trials linking its VNeID platform with Singapore’s Singpass and Laos’ LAeID by Nov. 15, a step toward cross-border digital services that could support trade, tourism and finance. Agriculture: A Vietnam-Laos investment conference highlighted 208 Vietnamese firms with about US$1.4 billion invested in Lao crops, forestry and livestock; both countries are targeting US$10 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Market Opportunities: Thirty-five South Korean food companies showcased more than 80 products in Vientiane and held export talks with local buyers. Telecom Investment: Thailand’s AIS plans to buy a 49% stake in Lao Telecom for about US$43 million. Trade Facilitation: Laos is pursuing a US$5 million project to speed up border checks, while a new UN development framework sets out US$510 million in support for 2027–2031.

Economic Outlook: Laos reported state revenue at 87% of its annual target, spending at 67% and average inflation of 7.8% as the government reviewed economic performance and development priorities. Trade and Investment: South Korea sent 35 food companies to Vientiane to showcase more than 80 products and meet local buyers, building on exports to Laos of $11.16 million in selected food categories in 2025. Laos also urged Luxembourg to expand trade and investment ties. Workers and Climate: A Vientiane symposium called for wider social protection, especially for informal workers whose livelihoods face rising climate risks. Telecoms: Thailand’s AIS is set to acquire a 49% stake in Lao Telecom for about $43 million, bringing investment into the country’s telecom sector. Border Trade: Laos is targeting faster border checks through a US$5 million trade project.

Economic Outlook: The government’s latest review put revenue collection at 87% of the annual target and spending at 67%, with average inflation at 7.8%. It also approved draft measures on digital transformation and reviewed development priorities. Business Investment: Lao-based Supchaleun Group and Vietnam’s Viet Nga Group signed deals worth nearly US$30 million for a Vientiane tower complex and a smart farm, with work planned for 2026. Telecoms: Thailand’s AIS is acquiring a 49% stake in Lao Telecom in a US$43.35 million deal, bringing new investment into the country’s mobile and digital infrastructure. Development Funding: Laos and the UN endorsed a US$510 million sustainable development framework for 2027–2031. Trade: Laos is targeting faster border checks through a US$5 million project to support cross-border commerce.

Investment: Lao-based Supchaleun Group and Vietnam’s Viet Nga Group signed a deal for nearly US$30 million in projects, including a 15-storey commercial and residential complex in Vientiane and a smart farm. Development Finance: Laos and the UN endorsed a US$510 million sustainable development framework for 2027–2031. Telecoms: Thailand’s AIS is set to acquire a 49% stake in Lao Telecom for about US$43 million, deepening regional investment in the sector. Trade: Laos is targeting faster border checks through a US$5 million project, aimed at easing trade flows. Debt: World Bank data puts Laos’ debt to Chinese creditors at US$5.31 billion in 2024, among the world’s 10 largest totals.

Investment: Lao-based Supchaleun Group and Vietnam’s Viet Nga Group signed a nearly US$30 million deal for a Vientiane tower complex and a smart farm, with both projects scheduled for 2026. Telecoms: Thailand’s AIS plans to invest US$43.35 million in Lao Telecom, deepening regional ties in the sector. Development Finance: Laos and the UN endorsed a US$510 million framework for sustainable development from 2027 to 2031. Trade: A US$5 million project aims to speed up border checks, supporting cross-border commerce.

Trade Facilitation: Laos is targeting faster border checks through a US$5 million trade project, aimed at easing the movement of goods. Development Funding: Laos and the UN endorsed a 2027–2031 cooperation framework with about US$510 million in expected funding for sustainable development. Telecom Investment: Thailand’s AIS plans to invest US$43.35 million to acquire a 49% stake in Lao Telecom. Economic Oversight: Laos’ National Assembly closed its session after approving key economic plans and eight draft laws, with calls for stronger revenue collection and investment oversight.

Development Funding: Laos and the UN endorsed a 2027–2031 cooperation framework with a planned US$510 million envelope for human development, stronger governance and green growth. Vientiane Economy: The capital grew 6.2% in the first nine months of 2026, below its 8% annual target; industry and trade made up 48% of GDP, while services accounted for 38.8%. Telecom Investment: Thailand’s AIS plans to buy a 49% stake in Lao Telecom for about US$43 million, bringing fresh regional investment into the sector. Trade Links: Laos is targeting faster border checks through a US$5 million project, aiming to ease cross-border commerce.

Vientiane Growth: The capital’s economy expanded 6.2% in the first nine months of 2026, below its 8% annual target. Industry and trade made up 48% of GDP, while services accounted for 38.8%. Vietnam Investment: More than 250 officials and business representatives met in Vientiane to turn Laos–Vietnam agricultural cooperation into investment, focusing on production, processing and market access. Digital Economy: Lao Digital Week put digital government, workforce skills and innovation at the centre of efforts to improve business operations and build the digital economy. Development Funding: Laos and the UN endorsed a 2027–2031 cooperation framework with a planned US$510 million envelope for human development, governance and environmental sustainability. Telecoms: Thailand’s AIS plans to acquire a 49% stake in Lao Telecom for about US$43 million, bringing new regional investment into the sector.

Digital Economy: Lao Digital Week opened in Vientiane with a push to modernize government, build digital skills and spur AI-era innovation, with officials citing technology’s role in improving business operations and public services. Economic Policy: The National Assembly approved 2026 economic, budget and monetary reports, 2027 targets and a new deposit-protection law, alongside seven amendments. Regional Investment: Vietnam and Laos brought more than 250 officials and business representatives together to explore agricultural investment, processing and market access. Connectivity and Growth: Vientiane and Chinese partners outlined 2026–2030 cooperation priorities spanning industrial zones, clean energy, agriculture and tourism. The capital’s economy grew 6.2% in the first nine months, below its 8% annual target. Telecoms: Thailand’s AIS agreed to acquire a 49% stake in Lao Telecom for about US$43 million, a major foreign investment in the country’s communications sector.

Economic Policy: Laos’ National Assembly approved reports on the 2026 economic plan, budget and monetary policy, set priorities for 2027 and passed eight draft laws, including a new deposit protection law. Growth & Investment: Vientiane and Chinese officials discussed investment, clean energy, agriculture and tourism under their 2026–2030 economic corridor framework. The capital’s economy grew 6.2% in the first nine months, short of its 8% annual target. Digital Economy: Lao Digital Week opened in Vientiane, with officials highlighting digital technology’s role in improving public administration, business and economic management. Telecoms: Thailand’s AIS agreed to buy a 49% stake in Lao Telecom for about US$43 million. Small Business: A Laos-Australia initiative helped women and people with disabilities improve product packaging, pursue ODOP trademarks and expand online sales.

Telecom: Thailand’s AIS will invest US$43.35 million for an indirect 24.01% stake in Lao Telecom, with the deal expected to close by year-end. Workforce: Laos’ 2025 census puts the population at 7.55 million, with 65% of residents of working age—an opportunity that will depend on jobs, skills and investment. Digital Economy: A Vientiane forum brought government and business leaders together to advance digital services, AI and workforce development. Trade: A US trade ruling found solar imports from Laos and two other Asian countries harmed US manufacturers, raising the prospect of steep duties on Lao exporters. Public Finance: Laos has issued US$500 million in bonds due in 2032 at 9.625%, adding fresh financing while committing the government to high interest costs. Regulation: The National Assembly approved a new deposit-protection law and revisions to seven others, including laws on cybercrime, transport and aviation.

Telecom Investment: Thailand’s AIS plans to spend US$43.35 million for an indirect 24.01% stake in Lao Telecom, with the deal expected to close by year-end. Policy and Finance: Laos’ National Assembly closed its session after approving eight laws, including a new deposit-protection law, and discussing public debt and state finances. The government also raised US$500 million through its second international dollar bond, offering 9.625% notes due in 2032. Workforce: The 2025 census puts Laos’ resident population at 7.24 million, with 65% aged 15–64—an opportunity for growth if jobs and skills keep pace. Digital Economy: More than 200 officials and business representatives gathered in Vientiane to advance digital government, AI and workforce development. Tourism: IHG plans to open a 101-room Holiday Inn Resort in Luang Prabang in 2027, adding an international hotel brand to the heritage city.

Tourism Investment: IHG has signed a deal for a 101-room Holiday Inn Resort on Luang Prabang’s Naluang Hill, slated to open in 2027 and marking the group’s debut in the UNESCO-listed city. Economic Planning: Laos released its 2025 census, counting 6.74 million residents and estimating a total population of 7.24 million; the data is intended to guide development planning. Business Ties: Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith discussed investment and SME cooperation with a visiting South Korean delegation, while talks with Singapore covered trade, investment and clean energy. Finance and Public Spending: The central bank proposed a deposit-protection law to strengthen financial stability. The National Assembly urged better revenue collection and tighter oversight of public investment, while reporting 5.1% economic growth in 2026.

Economic Planning: Laos released its 2025 census, counting 6.74 million people and estimating the true population at 7.24 million. The data is intended to guide development priorities over the next decade. Public Finance: The National Assembly urged stronger revenue collection and tighter oversight of public investment, land concessions and mineral extraction. Separately, the central bank presented a draft deposit-protection law aimed at strengthening financial stability. Business Cooperation: Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith met a South Korean delegation to advance investment, trade and SME development, while discussions with Singapore covered trade, investment and clean energy. Digital Transformation: Lao Telecom and the Industry and Commerce Ministry agreed to work on staff digital skills and new online services. Energy and Trade: Bolikhamxay signed deals for three solar plants, while a U.S. trade ruling found solar imports from Laos, India and Indonesia harmed U.S. manufacturers, paving the way for new duties.

Tourism Investment: IHG has signed a deal for a 101-room Holiday Inn Resort on Luang Prabang’s Naluang Hill, its first property in the UNESCO-listed city, due to open in 2027. Cross-Border Business: Officials from Vietnam’s Dien Bien, China’s Yunnan and Laos’s Luang Prabang met to pursue investment in transport, border trade, agriculture, energy and tourism; project approvals and cooperation agreements worth tens of trillions of dong were announced. Trade Pressure: The USITC ruled that solar imports from Laos, India and Indonesia harmed US manufacturers, clearing the way for steep new duties expected to take effect in November. LDC Transition: Laos remains scheduled to graduate from UN least-developed-country status on November 24, a shift with potential implications for trade support.