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October 9, 2026

Lao Government Maps Out 10-Year Strategies for AI and Satellite Technology

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone chairs the government’s monthly meeting on Tuesday. PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE VIENTIANE TIMES — https://asianews.network/laos-government-maps-out-10-year-strategies-for-ai-satellite-technology/
October 9, 2026

In September, the Lao government held high-level discussions on the proposed National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence 2026-2035 and the Strategy on the Development and Use of Satellites 2026-2035. Chaired by then-Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, the meeting convened deputy prime ministers, cabinet members, and ministry officials in person, with local administration leaders joining virtually to deliberate national digital policy.

The decade-long AI and satellite strategies largely focus on developing digital infrastructure, establishing national database, and delivering targeted workforce training to deliver the greatest benefit for the Lao people. To support these initiatives, the government emphasized the need to clarify investment and cooperation conditions while maintaining a position of neutrality regarding technological cooperation. The deployment of AI and satellite technologies are expected to advance precision agriculture, weather and flood monitoring, environmental protection, and public services. Upgrading skills and infrastructure in these fields could boost the digital economy and lessen reliance on natural resource extraction. According to a report presented by the Investment Promotion and Management Committee in August, the government is seeking international investment in data centers, artificial intelligence, and advanced digital infrastructure to attract higher value-added projects and drive long-term industrial modernization.

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