Mining & Industry Investment: Laos Vice President Vienthong Siphandone toured Khammouane’s Lao Kaiyuan Mining and Asia-Potash International, urging greener operations, local jobs and industrial development, as potash output and expansion plans were highlighted. STI & Regional Innovation: Malaysia pushed ASEAN to build a more integrated, mission-driven science, technology and innovation ecosystem at AMMSTI-22 in Vientiane, linking STI to energy transition, food security, public health and climate resilience. Laos Macroeconomy: Laos reported 5% growth in H1 2026 while June inflation eased to 7.4%, with officials citing stabilization steps, revenue collection and a steadier kip. Fuel Tax & Prices: Laos reinstated higher fuel excise taxes (gasoline up, diesel up from zero), updating Vientiane retail prices and adjusting premium gasoline pricing rules. Drug Control & Public Safety: Marking International Day against Drug Abuse, Laos Prime Minister Sonexay reaffirmed the national agenda on drug prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and community action. ASEAN–Korea STI Cooperation: Laos hosted ASEAN–Republic of Korea STI committee talks, reviewing 2025–2027 plans and new projects in AI, digital transformation and clean energy technologies. Cross-border Crime Response: South Korea met Mekong nations (including Laos) to expand cooperation against transnational crime, including advanced tech and economic security. Cybercrime Warning: INTERPOL flagged scam-driven cybercrime across Asia-Pacific, noting Laos among countries where online scams and trafficking-linked operations generate major illicit revenue. Energy Security Lens: A regional energy-security discussion underscored that ASEAN countries face different realities—exporters vs fuel importers—making cooperation on stability and transition more urgent.