The first of five men found alive after spending more than a week trapped inside a flooded cave in Laos has been freed.

All seven people trapped inside a cave in central Laos' Xaysomboun province have been found alive, according to a report from Lao National TV on Wednesday.

A specialized rescue team racing against time in Laos is closing in on seven people who have been trapped deep inside a cave for nearly a week. After successfully clearing through 15 meters (16 yards) of dense debris and mud in a single day, the operation's leader expressed immense confidence that a breakthrough is imminent.

A commissioning ceremony for the China–Laos 500 kV power grid interconnection project was conducted simultaneously on Monday in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and in Kunming, located in southwest China’s Yunnan Province.

The Lao National Labor Committee convened its third meeting to discuss on improving the minimum wage and addressing labor shortages, key issues facing the country amid ongoing economic challenges.

The U.S. Commerce Department will announce a preliminary decision on Monday about imposing anti-subsidy duties on solar cells and panels imported from India, Laos, and Indonesia.

The Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) has decided to lower its 7-day basic interest rate from 8.5 percent to 8 percent in a move aimed at maintaining monetary stability in Laos.

Preparations are underway for the election of members to the Lao National Assembly’s 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People’s Councils, with nationwide campaigning continuing to ensure a smooth, transparent and lawful electoral process ahead of polling day.

Chinese President Xi Jinping replied on Thursday to Laos’ top leader Thongloun Sisoulith, agreeing to designate 2026 as the Year of China–Laos Friendship.