Swedish Ambassador Anna Hammargren held Laos investment talks with Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane in Vientiane on 26 October.
The minister encouraged Swedish companies to invest in clean energy and tourism, according to Lao News Agency KPL. He also called for closer exchanges between people in both countries.
Thongsavanh also serves as deputy prime minister. During the meeting, he thanked Sweden for its development support through the European Union.
The Swedish Embassy in Bangkok said the talks covered trade, tourism and regional and international developments. The embassy also handles Sweden’s diplomatic relations with Laos.
Laos investment talks and development support
The meeting also addressed Laos’ preparations to leave the United Nations’ Least Developed Country category at the end of 2026. Thongsavanh expressed hope that Sweden and the EU would continue their support after that transition.
Hammargren said she would work to strengthen relations and cooperation. Sweden and Laos have maintained diplomatic ties for more than six decades.
Sweden’s diplomatic presence also includes an honorary consul in Laos. ScandAsia previously reported on Per Gradin’s appointment in March 2025.
Sources: Lao News Agency (KPL), Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok
