The Bank of the Lao PDR reported an agreement with the State Bank of Vietnam to promote local currency use in payments and transfers between the two countries and expand their QR payment network. At their 2026 annual bilateral meeting in Da Nang, the central banks reviewed cooperation in 2026 and plans for 2027. The payment measures support bilateral trade, investment and lending. The emphasis on local currencies continues a priority in their banking cooperation plans for 2026-2030. The Lao central bank also participated alongside the State Bank of Vietnam and the National Bank of Cambodia in their inaugural trilateral governors' meeting. Discussions addressed global, regional and domestic macroeconomic developments, monetary policy responses and future cooperation, particularly through multilateral arrangements. The meeting followed strategic directions set by the three countries' senior party leaders in Phnom Penh in February 2026 to strengthen economic integration.
Bank of the Lao PDR and State Bank of Vietnam agree to expand QR payment links and promote local currencies
The Bank of the Lao PDR and the State Bank of Vietnam agreed to expand QR payment links and promote local currencies, continuing an existing cooperation priority. Their annual meeting reviewed cooperation in 2026 and plans for 2027. The Lao central bank also joined its Vietnamese and Cambodian counterparts for their first trilateral governors' meeting on economic conditions, monetary policy responses and future cooperation.