Laos

Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia that has recently strengthened its economic and defense ties with the Philippines through initiatives such as negotiations for a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) and signing their first defense pact. These agreements aim to enhance trade, investment opportunities, and mutual support within ASEAN, particularly focusing on joint military training and disaster response cooperation. However, Laos also faces challenges like public safety issues, highlighted by incidents of tainted alcohol leading to deaths of foreign tourists in Vang Vieng.

This is an AI-generated summary based on recent coverage.
Last updated at July 29, 2025.

Recent stories about Laos

DFA reports over 100 Filipinos trapped in scams across SEA, intensifies rescue efforts

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Thursday that over 100 Filipinos remain trapped in scam operations across Southeast Asia, with 75 individuals in Myanmar, 30 in Thailand, 7 in Laos, and 6 in Cambodia.
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Shakey's plans Potato Corner expansion in Taiwan, Laos

Shakey's Pizza Asia Ventures Inc., led by the Po family, plans to expand its Potato Corner flavored fries kiosk chain into new international markets including Taiwan and Laos.
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DOJ welcomes EU's decision to remove PH from high-risk financial list

On Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) welcomed the European Commission's (EC) decision to remove the Philippines from its list of high-risk jurisdictions for financial crimes.
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Philippines removed from EU's high-risk money laundering list

The European Commission has removed the Philippines from its list of jurisdictions with high risk for money laundering and terrorism financing following a review by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) earlier this year.
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Marcos highlights GCC, China role in AI at ASEAN summit

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. highlighted the role of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China in artificial intelligence development during the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit on Tuesday.
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Marcos, Lao PM commit to expanding trade, education, defense, digital innovation

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. met with Lao People's Democratic Republic Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Monday during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia to commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations.
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Marcos attends 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. will attend the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur next week to reaffirm the Philippines' commitment to protecting sovereignty and accelerating talks on a binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.
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Rep Rodriguez opposes ASEAN visa system, warns of Chinese spy risks

Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez on Wednesday opposed a proposed ASEAN unified visa system, citing concerns about potential entry of Chinese spies into the country.
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ACEN expects slower growth this year, robust earnings by 2026

ACEN Corp., an Ayala-led renewable energy firm, expects growth to ease this year but anticipates robust earnings acceleration by 2026.
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ADB provides $6B to Philippines for projects in 2024

In 2024, the Philippines received a total of $6 billion from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in financing and co-financing packages, making it the second-largest recipient after India.
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