KUALA LUMPUR (April 10): Laos, seeking a discussion with Asean on the United States reciprocal tariffs, said the 90-day pause is a very short time for the country to engage and negotiate on the matter.

Laos Deputy Finance Minister Soulivath Souvannachoumkham said the negotiation is anticipated to take longer than 90 days, and will likely be difficult and challenging for many countries, especially smaller nations and economies like Laos, whose bargaining powers are not as strong or influential.

“It is a very short period from my perspective, and I believe it will take more time,” he told reporters after the launch of the Asean Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Action Plan (2025–2028), on the sidelines of the 12th Asean Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) and related meetings, here on Thursday.

Despite that, Soulivath, who is also leading the Laotian delegation to the AFMGM, said the country is seizing the opportunity presented by Washington to hold discussions with Asean member states and other nations affected by the global trade war.

“This is a new and very important issue for Asean and other countries around the world, including our country. It is one of the impacts we will be experiencing in the coming months.

“We are now preparing to have discussions with Asean countries on a bilateral basis, as well as exploring how we can engage with the United States to resolve this matter,” he said.

Through discussion with the US, he said Laos is also seeking ways to improve trade and investment for the benefit of both countries.

On Wednesday (April 9), Washington announced a 90-day pause in elevated reciprocal tariffs, involving over 75 country’s trading partners, including Laos.

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