The signing ceremony took place on February 3, 2026, presided over by Deputy Prime Minister of the Lao PDR Saleumxay Kommasith, during his official mission to the summit.

Strategic Partnerships for a Digital Future

The agreements focus on accelerating Laos' digital transformation and securing its financial infrastructure through two pivotal partnerships:

ASEAN Digital and AI Hub: An MoU between the Ministry of Technology and Communications and Menas Capital LLC. This collaboration aims to develop a regional centre for Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) development within the Lao PDR.

Cybersecurity and Digital Finance: A strategic MoU between the Ministry of Finance and Kaspersky Middle East. This partnership will focus on bolstering cybersecurity frameworks and enhancing the digital financial ecosystem in Laos.

Building a Secure Foundation

Government officials emphasized that these agreements serve as a "firm foundation" for Laos to keep pace with global technological shifts. The initiatives are designed to modernize governance by creating a secure environment for digital state administration and transactions. Furthermore, the partnerships aim to develop human capital by enhancing the technical skills of the Lao workforce and ensuring international standards through the implementation of global security protocols to protect the interests of citizens and entrepreneurs alike.

Celebrating 30 Years of Diplomacy

The timing of these agreements carries significant diplomatic weight, as 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and the United Arab Emirates. This latest move is viewed as a major milestone in strengthening bilateral ties, signalling a new era of cooperation in business, trade, and investment between the two nations.

KPL