Laos Healthcare Upgrade: Laos’ Health Ministry says it will keep upgrading central and provincial hospitals while strengthening district hospitals, health centers and village health volunteers, alongside disease prevention and expanded health insurance support. National Assembly Push: The 10th National Assembly’s first extraordinary session wrapped up with lawmakers backing a rural development and poverty eradication agenda (2027–2030) and urging faster tax collection, tougher action on illegal mining and forest encroachment, road rehabilitation, EV adoption, SME support, irrigation expansion and SOE reforms. Aquatic Conservation Drive: President Thongloun Sisoulith joined the 2026 National Fish and Aquatic Animal Release Day, with a nationwide plan to release over 72 million fish and aquatic animals, including more than one million at Nong Yai Lake in Vientiane. Regional Diplomacy for Industry: Laos became a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, with officials highlighting cooperation opportunities in trade, logistics, transport and tourism. Tourism Sustainability: Eastin Hotel Vientiane announced it is the first hotel in Laos to receive Green Globe certification, spotlighting energy, water and waste monitoring and food-waste reduction. Economic Outlook: ADB and the World Bank both warn Laos growth will slow in 2026 as inflation rises, citing energy and global pressures, while the government points to continued services, tourism and industry momentum.