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.