Mr Santiphab Phomvihane (fourth from left), Ambassador Heather Variava (fourth from right), and development partners on Wednesday break ground for a US$8 million Customs headquarters and training centre in Vientiane.

US backs US$8 million Customs training centre

The Ministry of Finance and the United States on Tuesday began work on a US$8 million Customs training centre to enhance Laos’ capacity to fight illegal cross-border activities.
The US$8 million project is funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and is being carried out by the United Nations Office for Project Services.
The facility will strengthen the Lao Customs Department’s ability to address cross-border crime, including drug trafficking, wildlife smuggling, illegal cash movement, and the transport of drug precursor chemicals.
Minister of Finance, Mr Santiphab Phomvihane; Director General of the Lao Customs Department, Mr Phoukhaokham Vannavongxay; United States Ambassador to Laos, Ms Heather Variava; United Nations Resident Coordinator in Laos, Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov; and Regional Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services, Ms Samina Kadwani, attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
“This project has been years in the making, and I’m honoured to help mark the official start of construction,” Ambassador Variava said.
“The partnership between the United States Embassy and the Lao Customs Department is one of our strongest, and today is a clear example of what we can achieve together,” she added.
The new headquarters is expected to significantly boost customs operations and training, following the earlier completion of two warehouse facilities in Vientiane and Luang Namtha. These warehouses are now helping to store seized items safely and securely.
Ambassador Variava said the facility was both a practical step and a symbol of the ongoing partnership between the United States and Laos.
“This cooperation is more important than ever, as we work together to confront sophisticated criminal groups operating across borders and using new technologies,” she said.
One key area of support is the strengthening of Laos’ anti-money laundering systems, in line with recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force. The goal is to help Laos exit the task force’s grey list.
“Improved anti-money laundering controls are essential not only for compliance, but to strengthen the integrity of Laos’ financial system, attract responsible foreign investment, and build public confidence,” Ambassador Variava said.
Lao Customs plays a key role in tracing illegal financial flows and supporting joint investigations. The new facility will support the department’s ability to meet these responsibilities.
The ambassador also stressed the need to jointly tackle transnational cyber scams, which defrauded United States citizens of over US$10 billion in 2024.
“Firmly addressing cyber scam centres is in the shared interest of both our countries. It protects Lao sovereignty, defends human rights, and prevents financial crimes that directly affect people in the United States and around the world,” she said.
Ambassador Variava said cooperation in law enforcement remains a key part of United States-Laos relations and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to building a safer and more secure future.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 16, 2025)