Officials from the Ministry of Finance, other government agencies and EU member states pose for a photo at the 12th Lao-EU Joint Committee Working Group on Cooperation on September 24.      --Photo Ministry of Finance

Laos, EU set to enter new phase of partnership

The government of Laos and the European Union (EU) are preparing to enter a new phase of their partnership as the country moves towards graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, with both sides looking to expand cooperation in investment, trade, connectivity and sustainable development.
The two sides reviewed progress in their cooperation and discussed future priorities at the 12th Lao-EU Joint Committee Working Group on Cooperation, held on September 24 at the Ministry of Finance in Vientiane.
The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Finance Mr Soulivath Souvannachoumkham and EU Ambassador to Laos Mark Gallagher, with representatives from EU member states and Lao government agencies taking part, according to a press release from the EU Delegation to Laos.
The discussions reviewed cooperation under the current Team Europe Strategy for 2021-2027, which focuses on three shared priorities: promoting a greener and more inclusive economy, strengthening education and skills, and improving good governance.

Deputy Minister of Finance Soulivath Souvannachoumkham delivers his opening remarks at a Lao-EU joint committee working group meeting last week.

European partners have mobilised an indicative €825 million for Laos under the 2021-2027 joint strategy.
Mr Soulivath said the Working Group provided an important platform for both sides to review progress, exchange views on emerging challenges and opportunities, and identify practical ways to further strengthen their partnership.
The working session was co-chaired by Director General of the International Finance and Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Finance, Mr Vongkhamheng Vongthachack, and Head of Unit for South and Southeast Asia at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships, Ovidiu Mic.
With Laos preparing for a new phase following its LDC graduation, discussions increasingly focused on how the partnership can support sustainable investment, private-sector development, trade, employment and connectivity, while continuing cooperation in human capital development and good governance.
The two sides also discussed potential opportunities under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, with future cooperation expected to cover green and digital transformation, energy and connectivity, skills and human capital, sustainable agriculture and forestry, governance, and stronger private-sector engagement.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation with ASEAN in helping connect Laos to regional markets, expertise and investment.
Mic said the EU would remain a reliable partner for Laos while broadening engagement in areas including sustainable investment, private-sector development, competitiveness, trade and employment.
The two sides reiterated their commitment to a long-term partnership that responds to Laos’ changing development needs through policy dialogue, technical cooperation and investment to promote sustainable and inclusive growth and create new opportunities for people and businesses.
According to United Nations COMTRADE data, the European Union imported goods worth US$504.85 million from Laos in 2025. The database was last updated in September 2026.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update September 28, 2026)