Mekong Power & Energy Cooperation: Myanmar and Laos signed a joint agreement in Vientiane to explore a Mekong hydropower project on the Myanmar–Laos border, with both sides backing a fast feasibility study and aligning customs and legal procedures. Bilateral Trade, Industry & Border Connectivity: During state talks marking 70 years of diplomatic ties, Laos and Myanmar reaffirmed cooperation across trade, investment, transport, energy, labor, education, tourism and manufacturing, including plans to boost goods and people flow via the Myanmar–Laos Friendship Bridge. Handicrafts & Small Enterprise Linkages: Myanmar’s delegation visited Lao micro and small enterprise producers in Vientiane, highlighting handwoven textiles, silk production and rural soap-making—an industry-to-market story tied to livelihood support and training. Aviation Security & Drug Trafficking Risk: Thailand reported drug networks recruiting airline staff via TikTok/Facebook “carry-for-hire” messages, following a Thai Airways crew heroin case in Australia—raising pressure for tighter baggage screening and airline discipline. Climate & Carbon Markets: Asean’s CORSIA carbon-credit supply could expand sharply if pending projects are authorized, but uneven readiness and capacity may slow high-quality credit scaling. Mekong-Ganga Community Projects: Laos and India signed a Mekong-Ganga MoU for 10 quick-impact projects (schools, health, vocational training and organic agriculture support) funded by India grants. Laos–Myanmar Diplomacy in Focus: Laos reiterated support for Myanmar at international and ASEAN forums, while leaders discussed border stability and steps to curb online gambling.