Vientiane: Strengthening trade and investment ties between Australia and Laos is in sharp focus this week as Mr. Charles Olsson, Australia’s Business Champion for Laos, visits the country from 30 September to 3 October 2025. His visit reflects Australia’s growing commitment to deepening economic cooperation under the Australia-Laos Comprehensive Partnership and Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

According to Lao News Agency, Mr. Olsson expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, ‘This is my second visit to Laos this year, and I’m delighted to return in my role as Business Champion.’ He emphasized Australia’s interest in collaborating with Laos in sectors such as clean energy, sustainable agriculture, food systems, and responsible mining.

Throughout the four-day visit, Mr. Olsson is set to engage with government officials, business leaders, and key stakeholders to explore opportunities in agriculture, livestock feed, clean energy, and mining. These sectors have been identifi
ed as central to Laos’ economic growth and Australia’s regional engagement.

Key activities during the visit include hosting a roundtable on how Australian livestock feed companies can support the growth of Laos’ livestock industry, meeting Lao alumni of Australian universities to celebrate their contributions to national development, and engaging with senior executives to identify opportunities for enhanced two-way trade and investment.

Mr. Olsson will also participate in the ASEAN Minerals Investment Forum, held from 2-3 October, where regional leaders and private sector representatives will discuss sustainable mining development and investment prospects across Southeast Asia.

This visit builds on Mr. Olsson’s earlier trip to Laos in March 2025, where he explored investment opportunities in Savannakhet province, including visits to the Savan-Xeno Special Economic Zone and a blueberry farm established by Costa, one of Australia’s largest horticulture companies.

Mr. Olsson’s ongoing engagement underscores
Australia’s strategic vision to strengthen economic ties with Southeast Asia and support Laos in its path toward sustainable and inclusive development.