Get the latest Southeast Asian business news delivered to your inbox every weekday.
Choose to receive our daily editions covering Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand individually or together: account settings.
The Memo is published each weekday for the country of your choice. Paid subscriptions receive full editions while free subscribers get top headlines and an abbreviated selection of stories.
Support us and unlock unlimited access by becoming a paid subscriber today to stay informed on emerging opportunities in Southeast Asia with just a few minutes a day.
The Mekong Memo is proudly presented by:
Horton International is your premier partner for executive search in Southeast Asia. Whether you're a small startup or a global corporation, our reliable and effective recruiting solutions are tailored to meet your unique needs. With extensive experience and offices across the region, we excel at overcoming recruitment challenges and securing top talent for your organization.
Click here to learn how Horton can make your life easier.
Headlines:
Weather, Flooding Causing Economic Strain
Hit by US Tariffs, Duty-Free EU Access Cut Soon
Russia-Laos Visit
Vietnam-Laos Cooperation
Cambodia-Laos Connectivity
Wildlife Protection in Champasak
Weather, Flooding Causing Economic Strain
Tropical Storm Wipha and monsoon rains have brought a one-two punch to the economy, with Khammouane Province alone taking a LAK 108 billion ($5 million) hit. The flooding has swamped thousands of hectares of crops and knocked out infrastructure, leaving rural communities and the ag sector reeling. The government is moving fast to raise money to support those who are suffering, but public skepticism about how the money is being used is on the rise. Citizens want to know that money is actually going to reach the people who are treading water - a familiar worry when natural disasters strike and there is a chance for a gap between promise and delivery.
Read more: Laotian Times (Khammouane Damage), Laotian Times (Fundraising), Bernama (Economic Strain)
Hit by US Tariffs, Duty-Free EU Access Cut Soon
The graduation from Least Developed Country status is probably going to be a costly diploma. A 40% US tariff has been confirmed on exports after weeks of negotiations resulted in only a minor reduction from the proposed 48% - a far cry from the 19% rates that Cambodia and Thailand managed to wrangle through US-mediated deals. With 35-40 factories and 20,000 jobs hanging in the balance, the timing couldn't be worse as duty-free EU access is also set to evaporate. The double blow threatens to unravel progress in garments, textiles, and solar panels just as the economy is trying to find its footing after recent floods.
Read more: France24 (US, EU tariffs), Lao Times (US tariffs)
Russia-Laos Visit
Lao President Thongloun, a former student in Russia, confirmed his commitment to shoring up ties with the country, as he re-told stories of the historical support received by Laos during the Soviet era. His message was intended to shore up support in advance of his visit that took place July 31 and August 1. The visit was in support of the normal improvements in diplomatic and economic cooperation, particularly in mining, energy, and tourism. The friendship between Laos and Russia appears healthy: more than 48,000 Russian tourists visited last year, and the military is looking forward to the Laros-2025 exercises to be held in Laos later this year.
Read more: Laotian Times (Diplomatic Visit), Bernama (Economic Cooperation)
Vietnam-Laos Cooperation
Vietnam and Laos are doubling down on their "special relationship" with cooperation in a wide swath of domains, from parliamentary chambers to police stations. On the sidelines of the Geneva WCSP, leaders mapped out 2025 activities while Dien Bien officials schooled their Luang Prabang counterparts on governance tricks that work despite creaky infrastructure. The partnership's security side is getting teeth as well - Vietnam's Public Security Minister dropped by to support crime-fighting collaboration, just as a new VN-funded, 500-bed drug rehab center opened in Vientiane. With identity management systems rolling out and both sides working together on everything from cybercrime to trafficking, the relationship is moving beyond ceremonial visits to hands-on cooperation.
Read more: Vietnam Plus (Parliamentary Collaboration), Vietnam News (WCSP 6 Discussions), VietnamPlus (Administrative Collaboration), Nhan Dan
Cambodia-Laos Connectivity
Cambodia and Laos are moving forward quickly on site selection for the Ropov River bridge connecting Preah Vihear and Champasak provinces. There has also been good progress in border demarcation, with 75 boundary points identified and 134 permanent markers already put in place. The two countries say they are committed to peace and stability along their border, although the same platitudes were once made with regard to the Thai border.
Read more: Cambodianess (Border Progress), Construction Property (Bridge Project), Asianews Network (Marker Installation)
Wildlife Protection in Champasak
Champasak Province has banned wildlife collection and trade to protect biodiversity. Violators face fines, with penalties increasing for repeat offenders. This ban comes after an incident involving the killing of protected wildlife, and the government is keen to show that they are sincerely committed to environmental protection.
Read more: Laotian Times
That’s all for this week, thanks for reading.
Your voice matters to us. Feel we're missing something? Have additional sources to suggest? Don't hold back— hit reply and help us get better.
If you value the Mekong Memo, please consider buying (or gifting!) a paid subscription, sharing it on social media or forwarding this email to someone who might enjoy it. Please also “like” this newsletter by clicking the ❤️ below (or sometimes above, depending on the platform), which helps us get visibility on the Substack network.