Laos Economic Policy: Laos’ 10th National Assembly wrapped its first extraordinary session, backing key economic, legal and development measures and adopting a National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (2027–2030), with lawmakers pushing stronger tax collection, tougher action on illegal mining and forest encroachment, faster road rehabilitation, more EV adoption, SME support, irrigation expansion, and state-owned enterprise reforms. Healthcare Upgrade: The Health Ministry says it will modernize central and provincial hospitals while boosting district hospitals, health centres and village health volunteers to expand prevention, screening and treatment in rural areas, alongside wider health insurance support and moves to strengthen medicine and medical-supply production and procurement. Sustainability in Hospitality: Eastin Hotel Vientiane announced it has become the first hotel in Laos to receive Green Globe certification, citing monitored energy, water and waste controls and food-waste reduction steps. Regional Diplomacy for Trade & Logistics: Laos signed an MoU with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to become a dialogue partner, aiming to deepen cooperation in trade, logistics, transport and tourism. Bilateral Business Ties: Laos honored outgoing Malaysian Ambassador Eddy Iwan Bin Mahmud with a Friendship Medal for expanding cooperation across trade, investment, education, tourism, agriculture, banking and clean energy. Tourism Development: Gensler unveiled a landscape-first conceptual masterplan for a 522-hectare tourism project in Vang Vieng, focused on low-impact mobility, water-system protection and higher-value nature-based experiences. Energy & Growth Outlook: ADB and the World Bank warned Laos growth may ease and inflation could rise in 2026 due to global pressures and energy costs, while the government points to continued expansion driven by services, tourism and industry.