The Bank of the Lao reported that Deputy Governor Vatthana Dalaroy and a delegation attended the 28th meeting of Francophone central bank governors in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The meeting focused on central bank independence in the face of rising expectations from governments and the public, with participants discussing how new economic and social changes are affecting central bank mandates. Held from 27 to 31 May 2026, the conference was co-chaired by National Bank of Cambodia Governor Chea Serey and Banque de France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau. It brought together 71 participants from central banks in 26 member countries across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific. Discussions included contributions from invited speakers, including European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, who addressed central bank independence, trust, credibility and related mandate issues. The Bank of the Lao said the meeting also supported closer cooperation among central banks, particularly within the Francophone group.