Laos and Singapore agree to deepen trade, investment and energy ties
Singapore is Laos’ ninth-largest source of foreign direct investment, with investment totalling US$409 million.
Laos and Singapore agreed to expand cooperation on investment, trade and clean energy during an October 16 telephone conversation between Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong. Their discussions also covered economic development, workforce training and carbon credits.
Bilateral trade reached approximately US$870 million over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Singapore’s foreign direct investment in Laos totals US$409 million, placing it ninth among the country’s investment sources.
Wong said on social media that the countries’ cooperation on renewable energy and sustainability was growing. He also pledged continued support for Laos’ development priorities through programmes designed to build capabilities. Since 1992, more than 17,202 Lao civil servants have received short-term training through the Singapore Cooperation Programme and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration.
Wong congratulated Saleumxay on his October 5 election as prime minister and extended an invitation for an official visit to Singapore, with timing to be agreed. Saleumxay pledged closer bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed Lao support for Singapore’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2027. He also thanked Singapore for its support when Laos chaired ASEAN in 2024.
The countries established diplomatic relations on December 2, 1974. Scoot Airlines currently operates three direct flights weekly between them, with plans for the frequency to rise to five.
