Published on 18 September 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Laos

Switzerland and the Lao People's Democratic Republic have maintained diplomatic relations since 1963. Relations between the two countries are good. Switzerland supports Laos's development efforts as part of one of the Swiss regional international cooperation programmes. Trade between the two countries is negligible.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

The Swiss embassy in Bangkok and its regional consular centre are also responsible for Laos. A consular agency was opened in Vientiane in 2020. An honorary consulate has been working in Luang Prabang since 2022.

Switzerland and Laos have maintained diplomatic relations since 1963 and engage in regular dialogue on political and development cooperation issues. Relations in this area are bolstered by an Swiss cooperation office that was opened in Vientiane in 2006.

Since 2016, Switzerland and Laos have also been cooperating within the framework of Switzerland's sectoral dialogue partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The ambassador of Laos accredited to Switzerland resides in Geneva.

Treaty database

Government of Laos

Swiss-ASEAN relations

Economic cooperation

Despite an increase since the 1990s, trade between Switzerland and Laos is still modest. Swiss exports include watches, machinery and pharmaceutical products, whilst the main imports from Laos are textiles.

Trade promotion Switzerland Global Enterprise SGE

Cooperation on education, research and innovation

The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) is responsible for implementing Switzerland's international strategy in the areas of education, research and innovation.

Students and researchers who are citizens of Laos can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)

SERI International Strategy

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

Switzerland supports Laos as part of its 2022–26 regional Mekong programme.
In 2021, a framework agreement was signed on technical, cultural, financial and economic cooperation, as well as humanitarian aid. The agreement facilitates the implementation of Swiss cooperation in Laos.

The 2022–26 regional cooperation programme has a total budget of around CHF 164 million and focuses on three key areas:

  • climate change and sustainable natural resource management
  • inclusive economic development
  • good governance and civic engagement.

Funding for the bilateral programmes in Laos averages around CHF 14 million per year. These programmes are flanked by regional initiatives, whose average annual funding is CHF 6 million.

As part of its humanitarian aid work, the SDC provides targeted support where needed following natural disasters and assists with sustainable reconstruction. After the dam burst in Attapeu Province in July 2018, for example, Switzerland provided emergency humanitarian relief and subsequently contributed its expertise in the field of dam safety.

Laos also benefits from regional economic development programmes run by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

The Swiss Cooperation Programme in the Mekong Region 2022–26 – Laos

Swiss nationals in Laos

As reported to the Swiss embassy in Bangkok, which is responsible for Laos, there were 90 Swiss citizens living in Laos at the end of August 2026.

History of bilateral relations

Switzerland officially recognised Laos as an independent state in 1957. Diplomatic relations between the two countries, which were established in 1963, are maintained by the Swiss embassy in Bangkok.

Laos, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis

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