Laos

Political relations

Thanks to the historical ties between France and Laos, our two countries are particular partners. The year 2023 was marked by the celebration of the 70^th anniversary of the treaty of friendship and association between the countries, dated 22 October 1953. France has one of the only four European diplomatic representations in Vientiane, alongside Germany, Luxembourg (chargé d’affaires since 2016) and Hungary (chargé d’affaires since 2019). A biannual political dialogue was established in August 2025 between the relevant Directors-Generals of the Foreign Ministries of the two countries.

Economic relations

France is the leading European investor and one of the top 10 foreign investors in Laos. Several major French groups are present there (EDF, Essilor, BRED-Banque Populaire, Accor, LVMH, Bioderma), and many SMEs have been established by French entrepreneurs locally, operating essentially in the services sector (hospitality, tourism, catering, insurance, engineering and architecture). In the industrial field, French businesses are particularly present in the small-scale industry and building sectors.

Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at €56.5 million in 2024. French exports to the country are primarily in the agrifood, the mechanical, electric, electronic and computer equipment, and textile sectors. The vast majority of France’s imports from Laos are made up of textiles, fostered by the Everything But Arms trade preference scheme, as well as agricultural products.