The Ministry of Finance and the Lao Customs Department, alongside the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), have initiated construction on a new headquarters and training facility for the Lao Customs Department. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Vientiane, marking an $8 million project funded by the United States.
The initiative is part of a long-term partnership between Laos and the United States aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities and preventing cross-border crimes. Key figures at the event included Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane, Customs Director General Phoukhaokham Vannavongxay, U.S. Ambassador to Laos Heather Variava, UN Resident Coordinator Bakhodir Burkhanov, and UNOPS Regional Director Samina Kadwani.
Ambassador Variava expressed her honor in participating in the commencement of construction: “This project has been years in the making, and I’m honored to help mark the official start of construction.” She highlighted the robust partnership between the U.S. Embassy and Lao Customs as exemplified by this development.
The new facility is expected to boost operational and training capacities within Lao Customs to combat various transnational crimes such as narcotics trafficking, wildlife smuggling, bulk cash movement, and precursor chemical diversion. This follows previous successes with customs warehouse facilities in Vientiane and Luang Namtha.
Ambassador Variava underscored that this facility symbolizes enduring U.S.-Lao cooperation: “This cooperation is more important than ever, as we work together to confront sophisticated criminal enterprises operating across borders.”
A key area of collaboration involves enhancing Laos’ anti-money laundering measures to comply with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations. “Improved anti-money laundering controls are essential—not only for FATF compliance but to strengthen the integrity of Laos’ financial system,” said Ambassador Variava.
Furthermore, she addressed cyber scam operations that significantly impact both countries: “Firmly addressing cyber scam centers is in shared interest... It protects Lao sovereignty, defends human rights, and prevents financial crimes that directly affect U.S. citizens.”
In conclusion, Ambassador Variava reaffirmed the significance of U.S.-Lao law enforcement collaboration: “This cooperation is a cornerstone of the U.S.-Lao bilateral relationship... continuing to work toward a safer and more secure future for all.”