The Bank of the Lao PDR published an update on the governor’s visit to its southern branch in Champasak province, where he reviewed the branch’s work in the first six months of 2026 and its priorities for the rest of the year. The review covered monetary and foreign exchange management, supervision of financial institutions, accounting and cash operations, and credit policy aimed at channeling funding to local areas. The governor credited the branch with helping maintain stability in local monetary management, financial institutions and the payment system despite difficult economic conditions. For the second half of 2026, the governor directed the branch to strengthen its macro-management role across the four southern provinces. Priority areas include implementing and publicizing relevant rules, supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, ensuring commercial banks and other financial institutions operate in line with the law, carrying out credit policy, tightening foreign exchange management, promoting wider use of the kip, and improving coordination with local authorities and other agencies. He also called for stronger monitoring, stricter discipline and action against corruption and internal deterioration.