China–Laos Military & Aviation: China opened the China–Laos Joint Support and Training Centre and the China–Laos Friendship Aviation Academy at Ban Keun airport, saying the facilities are jointly run and “not directed against any third party,” aimed at training Lao Air Force pilots and aviation staff. Engineering & Standards: Lao and Chinese firms signed an MoU to upgrade engineering quality testing, lab development, and technical training, including plans for an international-standard testing laboratory and specialized equipment for urban flooding research. Environment & Climate Funding: Laos reviewed GEF-9 priorities in Vientiane, aligning donor-backed climate and environmental projects with national plans, with focus areas including sustainable forestry, climate-resilient agriculture, Mekong water/food security, and hazardous waste management. Farmers’ Social Protection: The SOLAR II project phase launched to strengthen labor rights, occupational safety, and social protection for about 32,000 coffee, tea, and forestry farmers/workers across seven provinces, backed by the EU via the ILO. Food Supply & ASF Controls: Nonkhor Market in Vientiane resumed pork sales after eased, regulated pig movement rules, with strict veterinary inspections and health certificates to keep African Swine Fever contained. Digital Security in Telecom/Finance: Kaspersky and Best Telecom expanded cooperation to bring consumer cybersecurity services into Laos through bundled telecom offerings and partner IT firm Sysmatik. Inflation Watch: Laos reported September inflation at 7.8%, driven by education and housing/utilities costs as the new school year began. Disaster Risk at Hydropower Site: A slope collapse hit workers’ housing at the Pak Beng hydropower project near Pak Beng, with at least one injury reported and no official casualty figures yet.