Golden Triangle SEZ: Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone urged more sustainable development for the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, where firms already operate across manufacturing, real estate, housing, hotels, trade, banking and tourism. Clean Energy Push: Laos is gearing up for Clean Energy Day 2026 in Vientiane (Sept 3), bringing policymakers and partners to discuss renewables, clean investment and regional connectivity. Boten SEZ Oversight: Sonexay also called for tighter management of the Boten Special Economic Zone in Luang Namtha, including better land allocation, stronger project oversight, stable power coordination, local workforce planning, and smoother border procedures with China. Rare Earth Finds: Laos identified two new rare earth target areas across four provinces—along the Bolikhamxay-Khammuane border and across Sekong-Attapeu—after field surveys, with details on size and reserves still pending. Digital Lending Sandbox: Laos opened a new chapter in digital lending as Umoney entered a regulatory sandbox to test services under tighter rules. Mekong Tech for Fisheries: Australia’s ACIAR launched FishTech Plus, a 4-year Mekong program running in Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam to improve fish passage and protect inland fisheries.