Vientiane Development Push: President Thongloun Sisoulith urged Vientiane Province to speed up governance, crack down on illegal mining, tighten land management, and restore the Nam Song River to protect Vangvieng’s tourism growth. Agri & Environment Ties: Laos’ Agriculture and Environment Minister led talks in Vietnam to expand cooperation on agriculture, forestry, environmental protection, and investment, noting Vietnamese firms are running 276 projects in Laos worth over US$6.2b. Renewables in Focus: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone visited a 100MW solar project in Kaysone Phomvihane, urging protection of agricultural land while feeding power into EDL’s 115kV grid. Coffee Exports: Bolaven Plateau Coffee Producers Cooperative exported 46 containers in 2025 (40 Arabica, 6 Robusta) and targets 56 Arabica and 5 Robusta for the 2025–26 season. EV Policy Shift: Laos moved to require electric vehicles for new passenger-car imports from June 1, 2026, with exemptions for public transport and specialized vehicles. Wildlife Trade Crackdown Reality: Despite enforcement, illegal wildlife shopping sites tied to Chinese tour groups appear to be expanding in Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Scam Economy Warning: A UN report says online scams across Asia-Pacific cost up to US$114.1b in 2025, with criminals using tech and AI and linking operations to trafficking and money laundering. China Trade Momentum: China says it is a major trading partner for 160+ regions and is expanding imports with faster quarantine and customs clearance, citing durian demand including from Laos.