Deputy Prime Minister Mr Saleumxay Kommasith (third left) witnesses the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Technology and Communications and Menas Capital LLC in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Govt, UAE firms ink deal on ASEAN AI centre

The government has signed two agreements with United Arab Emirates businesses that pave the way for the creation of an ASEAN digital and artificial intelligence centre, to improve cybersecurity and support safer online business and state services.
The Memorandums of Understanding were signed between the Lao government and UAE partners, reflecting growing cooperation in technological and digital advancement.
Deputy Prime Minister Mr Saleumxay Kommasith witnessed the signing of the agreements while attending the World Government Summit 2026 in the United Arab Emirates last week.
The first agreement authorises cooperation in the creation of the ASEAN Digital and Artificial Intelligence Centre and was signed between the Ministry of Technology and Communications and Menas Capital LLC.
The Centre is expected to support innovation and the use of artificial intelligence, while also helping Laos to strengthen the technical skills of the workforce and keep pace with regional and global digital trends.
The second agreement is a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding on cybersecurity and the digital financial ecosystem. It was signed between the Ministry of Finance and the Kaspersky Middle East Group.
This agreement aims to strengthen cybersecurity systems and support the safe development of digital financial services, as online transactions and digital platforms become more widely used in Laos.
The government said the agreements provide a strong foundation for Laos to respond to rapid global changes and adopt modern digital systems.
Officials said the partnerships with the two companies will help create a more secure environment for business transactions and strengthen modern state administration, including the delivery of public services.
The agreements are expected to strengthen the skills of personnel working in the fields of digital technology, cybersecurity, and related areas.
The government said the agreements will be a key factor in creating a safe environment for business transactions and modern state administration
The government also described the signing as a major step in strengthening relations between Laos and the United Arab Emirates, especially in digital development and security.
The signing of the agreements is one of several events marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and the United Arab Emirates in 2026.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update February 10, 2026)