Belt and Road Push: Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith told the 11th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong that the country wants stronger cooperation on connectivity, investment and sustainable development, pointing to the Lao-China Railway’s role in cutting travel and logistics costs. Trade & Customs Links: Hong Kong Customs met Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith to strengthen trade ties, including work on the Trade Single Window and trade facilitation. Digital & AI for Public Services: In northern Laos, Lào Cai and CMC Technology Corporation signed a 2026-2030 cooperation framework to speed up digital transformation and expand practical AI use in public administration and socio-economic development. Mining & Industry Sustainability: A Vientiane workshop discussed implementation plans and technical solutions for sustainable development around Vietnam-invested Dakcheung bauxite mining and alumina processing in Xekong, including human resources and impact mitigation. Cross-border Security Cooperation: Laos and Thailand reaffirmed border security and defence cooperation, with a focus on logistics support and tackling illegal immigration, transnational crime, cyber and trafficking. Carbon Finance for Farms & Forests: Laos and Singapore move toward carbon credits cooperation, looking to channel finance into forests and agricultural projects. Cybercrime Watch: U.S. FinCEN urged banks to report overseas scam-center activity, warning that suspected digital asset investment scams are expanding beyond Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. Local Markets & Agri Trade: Luang Prabang opened the “Lor Lad” public market, bringing together regional agricultural products, handicrafts and goods to support local commerce.