AGP Executive Report

Science & Education Policy: Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone launched the National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (2026–2040) and a National Teacher Policy at the National University of Laos, aiming to strengthen STI capacity and align with the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan. Digital Safety for Youth: A EU- and embassy-supported campaign in Vientiane trained young content creators to fight online scams and human trafficking, with Lao ministries and tech experts joining law enforcement-led sessions. Laos–China High-Level Tech Cooperation: President Thongloun Sisoulith met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, highlighting progress in trade, energy, connectivity, and cooperation against cybercrime, including benefits from the 500kV Laos–China power line and the Laos–China Railway. Mobility & EV Expansion (Regional): Vietnam’s Green SM launched its all-electric Green SM Limo ride-hailing service in India’s Delhi-NCR, targeting 10,000 EVs and positioning corporate and airport trips as major revenue drivers. Agriculture & Innovation: An agricultural exhibition at Lao ITECC showcased cooperative growth and pushed science, technology and innovation in farming, citing the 2024 Law on Cooperatives. Cross-Border Fraud Crackdown: A major international operation reported 63 arrests and disruption of 1.4M scam accounts, with Meta, Microsoft, Coinbase and Starlink involved—relevant for Laos’ ongoing scam prevention push. Ancient Heritage Research: New reporting on Laos’ Plain of Jars revisits archaeological findings that may explain the jars’ purpose, adding fresh context for science-led heritage tourism.

EV Mobility in India: Vietnam’s Green SM launched its electric taxi service “Green SM Limo” in Delhi-NCR with VinFast Limo Green EVs, using in-car cameras, emergency buttons, and an app/hotline booking model, aiming for phased expansion and a ~10,000-vehicle fleet. AI for Industry (ASEAN–China): A matchmaking conference in Nanning flagged 30 industrial AI application needs from ASEAN firms, including Laos priorities in smart agriculture and agricultural processing. Cross-border Payments: Tencent’s TenPay Global opened a “Remit to China for Non-Chinese Citizens” service, letting foreign passport holders send money to mainland China via WeChat-linked numbers for near-instant spending in the Weixin ecosystem. China–ASEAN Connectivity: China’s Pinglu Canal reached full-channel connectivity after water testing, a move framed as boosting regional cooperation beyond shipping. Laos–China Tech & Space Visits: Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith visited China’s Party School and the China Academy of Space Technology during a Beijing-bound state trip, highlighting innovation and aerospace links. Cybercrime Crackdown: A DOJ-led “Disruption Week” with major tech firms disrupted 1.4M+ scam accounts and infrastructure across Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, with 63 arrests. Laos Cave Rescue: Search efforts resumed for two men still missing after flash flooding trapped gold miners in a Laos cave.

Laos–India Tech & Trade Push: Lao Deputy PM Thongsavanh Phomvihane met India’s President Droupadi Murmu, calling for deeper cooperation in trade, investment, and technology on the 70th anniversary of ties, with a strong focus on practical outcomes and tackling transnational internet scam hubs. AI Cooperation Move: Laos’ Ministry of Technology and Communications discussed joining China’s proposed World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, with a treaty opening for signature in July 2026. Digital Fraud Crackdown: A regional operation (“Disruption Week”) disrupted scam infrastructure across Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, taking down 1.4M social media accounts and freezing $3.8M in crypto-linked assets. China–Laos Connectivity Boost: China–Laos Railway logistics hit 107,900 tonnes of cross-border fruit since the start of the year, with durians and mangosteens moving faster and cheaper. Space-Tech Diplomacy: Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith visited China’s Party School and the China Academy of Space Technology during his state visit, signaling interest in innovation and aerospace know-how. Cave Rescue Update: Search resumed for two men still missing deep inside a flooded Laos gold mine after earlier rescues.

Cybersecurity Crackdown: Meta, Microsoft and other tech firms teamed up with the US DOJ/FBI and Thai police to disrupt Southeast Asia-linked scam infrastructure, removing 1.4M accounts/pages and leading to 63 arrests. AI Diplomacy: Laos’ Ministry of Technology and Communications held talks on joining China’s proposed World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, aimed at consultation, standards and safe AI development. Digital Safety & Scams: Lao Deputy PM Thongsavanh Phomvihane pushed India–Laos cooperation on tackling transnational internet scam hubs during a 70th-anniversary visit. Bilateral Tech & Trade: President Droupadi Murmu met Thongsavanh to expand cooperation in trade, investment and technology, with both sides citing untapped potential. Religious Tech Rules: The Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organization issued new nationwide social media guidelines for monks and devotees, restricting superstition, commercial livestreaming and divisive online debate. China–Laos Tech Showcase: Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith visited Zhejiang’s robotics and e-commerce hubs (including Alibaba) and promoted deeper connectivity via the Laos–China Railway. Energy & Clean Tech Context: Regional coverage also highlighted Laos’ broader push toward digital services and clean-energy partnerships across Mekong networks.

India–Laos Tech Push: Lao Deputy PM Thongsavanh Phomvihane met India’s President Droupadi Murmu and called for deeper trade, investment, and technology cooperation on the 70th anniversary of ties, with a strong focus on tackling transnational internet scam hubs. AI Cooperation: Laos is considering joining China’s proposed World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, with a July 2026 signature window discussed at the Ministry of Technology and Communications. Digital Government Upgrade: Laos is accelerating e-government with Smart Customs and the E-Tax Invoice platform to cut clearance times, reduce paperwork, and improve transparency. E-commerce & Robotics Links: Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith visited Alibaba in Hangzhou and met Zhejiang leaders, highlighting tech and e-commerce cooperation and use of the China–Laos Railway for connectivity. Regional Internet Safety: Laos and partners are pushing joint action against online scams, while Cambodia’s information ministry proposes a Mekong information integrity network and rapid fact-checking mechanism. Vientiane Development: Ground broke for the USD 216M Vang Vieng Central Plaza project, aiming to boost tourism, jobs, and local infrastructure. Energy Outlook (Regional): AMRO kept ASEAN+3 growth at 4% for 2026–27 but revised Vietnam down to 7.2% for 2026 amid Middle East-driven cost pressures.

Digital Government in Laos: Laos is rolling out Smart Customs and an E-Tax Invoice platform to speed clearance, cut paperwork, and modernize tax and revenue collection. China–Laos Tech & Trade: Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith’s China visit in Hangzhou highlights robotics and e-commerce ties, with talks on expanding trade, investment, tourism, and using the China–Laos Railway for connectivity. Regional Anti-Fake News Push: Cambodia’s information minister proposes a Mekong information integrity network plus a regional fact-checking and rapid-response mechanism, with media forums bringing Laos and other neighbors into the fight. Laos Cave Rescue: Search operations continue for two men still trapped in a flooded cave in Xaisomboun, with rescuers using mapping, radar, and possible new entry routes as water levels and access remain uncertain. Vang Vieng Development: Ground has been broken for a USD 216M Vang Vieng Central Plaza project, aiming to boost tourism and create thousands of jobs. Science & Heritage: New research on Laos’ Plain of Jars suggests the giant stone urns were used as multigenerational mortuary crypts, not for brewing rice wine.

Mekong Anti-Fake News Push: Cambodia’s Information Minister Neth Pheaktra floated a Mekong Information Integrity Network plus a regional fact-checking and rapid-response mechanism, calling for shared trend tracking, faster verification, media literacy, journalist training, and closer work with digital platforms. Digital Government in Laos: Laos is accelerating e-government with a Smart Customs system to cut clearance delays and paperwork, and an E-Tax Invoice platform launched May 29 to modernize tax administration and improve transparency. China–Laos Tech & Investment Visit: Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith began a five-day state visit to China, meeting Zhejiang leaders and touring robotics and e-commerce firms in Hangzhou, with a focus on trade, investment, tourism, and using the China–Laos Railway for connectivity. Laos Cave Rescue Update: Rescue teams in Xaisomboun province are still searching for two men trapped in a flooded cave, using pumping, alternative entry searches, and mapping tools while survivors help refine the plan. Archaeology Spotlight (Laos): New research on the Plain of Jars suggests the giant stone urns were used as multigenerational mortuary crypts, not for rice wine. Clean Energy Project in Laos: Envision Energy and Impact Electrons Siam signed on a Monsoon Wind Power project in Laos, aiming for an AI-powered integrated clean-energy system combining wind, solar, and storage.

Digital Government: Laos is rolling out Smart Customs and an E-Tax Invoice platform to speed clearance, cut paperwork, and modernize tax and revenue collection. Urban Development: Ground has broken on the USD 216 million Vang Vieng Central Plaza at the former airport site, aiming to boost tourism and create thousands of jobs. Energy Transition (Regional): Envision Energy and Impact Electrons Siam signed up to build a Monsoon Wind Power project in Laos, combining wind, solar, and storage with AI-powered coordination. Clean Tech Outreach: CGN held a global open day with Laos events that brought students and media to green energy sites for science education. Disaster Response (Laos): Rescuers are still searching for two men trapped in a flooded cave in Xaisomboun as teams use mapping, radar, and possible new entry routes while weather threatens operations. Science & Health (Global): A base-editing therapy for sickle cell disease reported durable, VOC-free results with favorable safety in a 15-month follow-up. Research & Heritage (Laos): New findings on the Plain of Jars suggest stone urns were used as multi-generational burial crypts, not for rice wine.

China–Laos Railway Trade Boost: A refrigerated durian-and-mangosteen shipment pushed China–Laos Railway cross-border fruit volume to 107,900 tonnes since the year began, up 30% year-on-year, with the rail link cutting transit to about 1–2 days and lowering shipping costs by 40–50%. Cave Rescue in Laos: Rescuers in Xaisomboun province are racing to reach two remaining men trapped in a flooded cave after five of seven were freed; teams are pumping water, probing shafts, and using mapping and radar as heavy rain threatens access. Future Energy in Laos: Envision Energy and Impact Electrons Siam signed on a Monsoon Wind Power Project in Laos, aiming for an AI-powered “future energy system” that integrates wind, solar, and storage to diversify beyond hydro exports. Drought Risk Finance: SEADRIF and FAO launched Southeast Asia’s first anticipatory drought insurance pilot in Laos, using an early-warning drought index to trigger pre-arranged payouts before farming losses hit. Robotics Industry News: Pudu Robotics unveiled the next-gen PUDU D7 semi-humanoid industrial robot, built for embodied AI in factory workflows.

Cave Rescue in Laos: Rescuers evacuated four villagers trapped in a flooded cave after 10 days, following the earlier rescue of one survivor; two men remain missing as teams keep searching. Drought Risk Financing (Lao PDR): SEADRIF and FAO launched Southeast Asia’s first anticipatory drought insurance pilot in Laos, using early-warning data to trigger payouts before drought hits farmers. Regional Forest Protection: IUCN and FAO-backed efforts brought officials, scientists, and private partners together in Laos to push integrated conservation of primary forests across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. ASEAN Security Tech: At the Shangri-La Dialogue, India’s defence secretary said a BrahMos deal with Vietnam is already signed (not yet public) and Indonesia’s is in final stages, highlighting growing defence tech cooperation. Regional Military Training: Multinational Exercise PRAGATI 2026 concluded in Meghalaya with 13 nations including Laos, focusing on counter-terrorism drills and interoperability. Energy Transition Conference: Malaysia’s ETCon26 (June 3–5) will gather 60+ countries to discuss clean energy transition policy and investment.

Disaster Response in Laos: Rescuers evacuated four villagers from a flooded cave in central Laos after 10 days underground, following the earlier rescue of the first survivor; two men remain missing as teams continue search-and-drain operations amid heavy rain. Regional Defence Tech & Cooperation: At Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said a BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and an Indonesia pact is in final stages, underscoring growing ASEAN defence procurement links. Regional Military Training: India’s PRAGATI 2026 multilateral exercise wrapped up in Meghalaya, with over 400 troops from 13 countries including Laos running counter-terror drills and interoperability validation in jungle terrain. Climate Risk Finance for Laos: SEADRIF and FAO launched Southeast Asia’s first anticipatory drought insurance pilot in Lao PDR, linking early warning drought indexes to pre-arranged payouts to protect rural farming households ahead of impacts. AUKUS Tech Push: The AUKUS partners discussed accelerating undersea unmanned vehicle development under their defence pact, expanding collaboration into AI, cyber, and other advanced technologies. Science & Health (Global): An NHS trial of a multi-cancer blood test (Galleri) reported mixed results, but experts said it still offers hope for cancers lacking screening options. Local Governance & Youth: The Lao PM extended International Children’s Day greetings nationwide, tying the day to tree planting and renewed focus on child protection and rights.

Laos Disaster Response: Lao and Thai rescue teams evacuated 4 villagers trapped in a flooded cave in Xaysomboun province after 10 days, following the earlier rescue of the first survivor; two men remain missing as rescuers continue the search, with divers delivering oxygen and supplies through difficult, narrow passages. Regional Defense Training: The maiden multination PRAGATI 2026 exercise wrapped up in Meghalaya, bringing together 13 countries and 400+ troops including Laos for counter-terrorism drills focused on interoperability in jungle and semi-mountain terrain. Climate Risk Finance (Laos): SEADRIF and FAO launched Southeast Asia’s first anticipatory drought insurance pilot in Lao PDR, linking early warning drought indices to pre-arranged payouts so the government can act before farming impacts worsen. Tech & Security Tech: Under the AUKUS pact, the US, UK and Australia plan to develop unmanned undersea vehicles, expanding cooperation on advanced maritime tech. Defense Procurement Watch: India’s defence secretary said a BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam is already signed (not yet publicly announced) while Indonesia’s pact is in final stages.

Cave Rescue in Laos: Rescue teams are racing to free four more men still trapped in a flooded Laos cave, after the first survivor was evacuated and hopes rose for later extraction; crews are also continuing the search for two missing villagers as water drainage and safe removal remain the biggest hurdles. Laos–China Economic Ties: Laos and China pledged deeper economic integration and industrial cooperation at the 2026 RCEP Local Government and Friendship Cities Cooperation Forum in Anhui, with officials pointing to connectivity gains under Belt and Road and upcoming high-level political talks. Party Media & Education Direction: Laos’ 6th Party Congress of the Commission for Information and Education wrapped up with plans for 2026–2030, focusing on strengthening party leadership in information and education work. ASEAN Anti-Scam Tech: The Global Signal Exchange (GSE) showcased its real-time scam disruption approach at ScamReady ASEAN, bringing together governments and major tech firms to share threat signals faster. Regional Military Training: Laos joined a 13-country multilateral exercise, PRAGATI 2026, in Meghalaya, where drills focused on counter-insurgency and interoperability. Health Research Watch: A study on tirzepatide reports higher thyroid disorder risk in patients with end-stage renal disease or preexisting thyroid disease over a 12-month period.

Information & Education Policy: Laos’ 6th Party Congress of the Commission for Information and Education wrapped up in Vientiane, setting the 2026–2030 plan to strengthen Party leadership in information and education work. Cybercrime Response: At ScamReady ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur, the Global Signal Exchange (GSE) backed by Oxford Information Labs showcased real-time sharing of scam and fraud threat signals, with major tech firms joining to disrupt online crime faster. Cave Rescue Tech & Safety: In Xaisomboun, Laos, rescuers evacuated the first of five villagers found alive after a week trapped in a flooded cave; divers warn extraction is still difficult due to narrow passages, near-zero visibility, and toxic conditions, while two people remain missing. EV Push in Laos: Laos plans to suspend petrol and diesel vehicle imports until end-2026 (from June 1), with EV tax exemptions under $50,000, new pricing rules, and expanded charging support to speed the clean-energy transition. Clean Energy Supply Chain: BloombergNEF reports global clean-energy product shipping rose in 2025 as manufacturing capacity outpaced demand, with countries including Laos and Vietnam responding to higher fossil fuel costs by accelerating clean tech adoption. Health Watch: A study on tirzepatide links end-stage renal disease and preexisting thyroid disease to higher risk of incident or worsening thyroid disorders over 12 months.

Laos Cave Rescue: Rescuers in Xaysomboun province say five of seven villagers trapped in a flooded gold mine have been found alive after more than a week, with extraction still underway and oxygen supply a key concern as crews navigate tight passages and toxic gas. EV Push: Laos is accelerating electric vehicle adoption, including a planned suspension of petrol and diesel vehicle imports until end-2026, EV pricing rules, tax exemptions for lower-priced EVs, and moves to expand charging infrastructure. Archaeology on the Plain of Jars: New excavations at Site 75 suggest some giant stone jars in northern Laos functioned as communal burial chambers, with Jar 1 showing multiple tightly packed burials dated to AD 890–1160. Science & Policy Links: The Lao National Assembly and the European Parliament held their 7th bilateral meeting, reviewing cooperation across socio-economic development, trade, investment, and regional issues. Regional Tech & Skills: Vietnam launched a nationwide AI hackathon aimed at building real business solutions, with Laos-region relevance as governments push AI out of labs and into production. Agritech Trade: Chinese and Laotian companies signed an MoU to standardize durian procurement and sales, emphasizing farm-to-table quality control and pesticide residue checks.

Cave Rescue Update: Five villagers trapped in a flooded cave in Xaisomboun, central Laos, were found alive after more than a week, but rescuers say two people are still missing and extraction is now the hard part, with divers dealing with zero visibility, no maps, and toxic gas. EV Push in Laos: Laos is accelerating electric vehicle adoption by suspending petrol and diesel vehicle imports until end-2026, setting EV pricing rules, expanding charging with private investment, and tightening transaction oversight via banking channels. Clean Energy Supply Shock: A new BloombergNEF report says clean-energy manufacturing capacity has surged to double what the world needs, driving down prices—while countries including Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia respond with policies to speed up clean-tech uptake. Regional Energy Tech Link: Singapore’s energy regulator points to future grid integration across Southeast Asia and southern China, including a Laos-to-Singapore hydropower transmission project via Thailand and Malaysia. Durian Trade Tech & Standards: Chinese and Laotian firms signed an MoU to procure Laotian durians at scale, with strict farm-to-table quality control and residue checks aimed at meeting China’s import requirements. Science & Governance: Laos held its May 2026 regular monthly government meeting, reviewing priorities for June amid tense global conditions that could affect commodities and livelihoods.