SEADRIF Insurance Company paid US$1.1375 million to the Lao government and WFP after official disaster data showed flooding affected over 260,000 people, crossing the insured threshold. Payouts were made within five business days under the #PEOPLE impact trigger. For businesses, this demonstrates pre-arranged disaster risk financing can deliver rapid support, helping maintain essential services and recovery efforts after floods.
Laos sent its first delegation as an SCO Dialogue Partner to the SCO Plus meeting in Bishkek, led by President Thongloun Sisoulith. Laos highlighted four cooperation priorities: agriculture and food security, digital transformation, transport connectivity, and banking and finance. These areas open new opportunities for Lao businesses to access regional markets and attract investment in infrastructure and digital sectors, fostering greater economic integration with Central Asia.
A Lao tourism delegation, led by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, participated in ITE 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City held from August 25-29. They conducted over 300 B2B meetings with international buyers and companies, promoting Laos' natural, historical, cultural and agricultural attractions. This engagement is expected to expand partnerships, boost visitor arrivals, and create new opportunities for Lao tourism businesses to connect with regional and global markets.
At the Lao Gold Jewelry and Gem Association's seminar on gold standards and quality inspection, over 70 local gold shops joined officials and experts to discuss international testing methods and regulatory compliance. A partnership with Helmut Fischer (Thailand) will bring advanced inspection tools to Laos. Businesses should prepare for stricter standards and adopt reliable testing technologies to boost consumer trust and competitiveness.
At the first Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Tourism Ministers' Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, the three countries adopted a 2026-2028 action plan to implement the "One Journey, Three Destinations" initiative. The plan focuses on joint tourism products, transport connectivity, joint marketing, public-private partnerships, cuisine promotion, capacity building, sustainable tourism, and international cooperation. In 2025, the bloc drew 31.3 million foreign visitors, generating $45.6 billion in revenue. For Lao businesses, this opens opportunities to develop cross-border itineraries and benefit from joint branding and marketing efforts.
Lao leaders sent a joint congratulatory message to Vietnamese counterparts on the 81st anniversary of Vietnam's National Day, praising Doi Moi achievements and reaffirming the special solidarity and strategic partnership. This close relationship fosters a stable environment for cross-border trade and investment, creating opportunities for businesses in Laos to expand economic cooperation with Vietnam.
The Made in Laos Exhibition 2026, held October 3–11 at Lao-ITECC in Vientiane, will feature 160 companies from 17 provinces across 204 booths in eight sectors, including ODOP goods, handicrafts, food, and tourism. Co-hosted with Huaphanh Province, the event offers business-matching sessions, seminars, and cultural activities. For Lao and foreign businesses, it is a chance to connect with local producers, explore partnerships, and tap into the growing demand for Lao-made products, while supporting SME development and market expansion.
Laos Clean Energy Day 2026 will be held on 3 September in Vientiane, uniting policymakers, investors, developers, and technology providers. The event focuses on clean energy transition strategies, investment-ready business models, and project opportunities. It offers businesses a platform to connect with decision-makers and explore sustainable energy partnerships in Laos.
President Thongloun Sisoulith met the SCO Secretary-General in Bishkek. Talks covered trade, transport and digital connectivity, training, tourism and security, opening potential logistics and investment links between Laos and wider Eurasian markets.
More than 30 villages in Luang Namtha were affected by flooding and flash floods after persistent heavy rain. Businesses and travellers should monitor official road, logistics, agricultural supply and cross-border transport updates.
Laos launched its first zero-carbon library in Luang Prabang, integrating solar generation, energy storage and charging facilities. The project offers a practical reference for distributed energy in schools, public buildings and commercial sites.
Laos grew 5% in the first half of 2026, supported by tourism and services. International arrivals approached 2.6 million, up 9.9%, while government revenue rose 19% year on year. Businesses should watch consumption, tourism, currency and fiscal trends.
The August cabinet meeting reported budget revenue at 72% of the annual target and average inflation of 7.6%, while approving 12 draft laws in principle. September priorities include revenue, flood recovery, infrastructure, cybercrime and dam safety.
ACMECS tourism ministers adopted a 2026–2028 joint action plan promoting “Five Countries, One Destination.” The plan creates opportunities for Lao tourism, hospitality, transport, payments and cross-border service providers.
Provincial officials inspected the operations of Phongsaly Fuhai Coal Mining. The company has exported more than 17,000 tons in 2026, highlighting continued mining and cross-border trade activity in northern Laos. Businesses should monitor logistics, compliance, environmental management and commodity prices.
Laos and China’s Zhejiang Province are strengthening cooperation across key sectors, creating new opportunities in trade, investment, industrial links, education, culture and local partnerships. Businesses should follow upcoming project lists, investment events and supporting policies.
