On 30 January 2026, a handover ceremony of a new provincial office and facilities for UXO Lao Luang Prabang was held, with assistance from the United States of America through Tetra Tech.

The ceremony was honored by the presence of Mrs. Michelle Outlaw, Chargée d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy to the Lao PDR, representing the Government of the United States of America, and H.E. Mrs. Keo Chanthavixay, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, representing the Government of the Lao PDR. The event was also attended by representatives from relevant ministries and provincial departments of Luang Prabang, the U.S. Embassy in the Lao PDR, Tetra Tech and UXO Lao staff, who served as witnesses to the ceremony.

Between 2024 and 2025, the U.S. Government provided assistance to UXO Lao for infrastructure improvements, including the construction of new provincial offices, staff accommodations, multi-purpose buildings, vehicle maintenance workshops, storage warehouses and other facilities in U.S.-funded provinces. The total value of this assistance exceeded USD 2.5 million. This support aims to improve staff living and working conditions and to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of field operations and other support activities.

During the ceremony, Mrs. Michelle Outlaw delivered her remarks, stating that “This U.S. Government investment is part of substantial efforts to upgrade UXO Lao offices and accommodations for its staff, here and in several other provinces including Khammouane, Savannakhet, Salavan and Houaphanh.

The United States has been a strong supporter of UXO Lao’s clearance work for many years”.

Following this, H.E. Mrs. Keo Chanthavixay also delivered remarks, noting in part: “The assistance from the U.S. Government marks an important milestone, demonstrating its strong commitment to supporting the Lao PDR in addressing the unexploded ordnance issue. This assistance is not only humanitarian in nature but also reflects the strong diplomatic relations and the comprehensive cooperation between the two governments”.

UXO Lao extends its sincere appreciation to the U.S. Government for this valuable assistance. We remain dedicated to reducing the number of casualties and clearing unexploded ordnance, thereby releasing land for safe and productive use by people of all ethnic groups across the Lao PDR.