Lao PDR and Singapore Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation under CITES to Combat Transnational Wildlife Crime

Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, 30 April 2026 — The Department of Forestry (DOF), Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), acting as the CITES Management Authority of Lao PDR, convened a bilateral virtual meeting with the CITES Management Authority of Singapore to strengthen cooperation in combating transnational wildlife crime and enhancing the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The meeting formed part of the continued efforts of both countries to reinforce regional collaboration in wildlife law enforcement, intelligence exchange, scientific cooperation and cross-border criminal investigations involving illegal wildlife trade.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the current wildlife crime situation and enforcement priorities in both countries and exchanged information on recent developments relating to the detection, investigation and prosecution of wildlife trafficking cases. Discussions focused on strengthening operational cooperation and improving mechanisms for timely information exchange to support coordinated enforcement actions against transnational wildlife trafficking networks.

A key area of discussion was the application of wildlife forensic science, including DNA analysis and species identification, to strengthen criminal investigations and provide scientific evidence for law enforcement and judicial proceedings. Both sides explored opportunities for technical cooperation to enhance the capacity of the Lao CITES Scientific Authority in wildlife forensic analysis, laboratory development and scientific support for CITES implementation.

The meeting also discussed practical mechanisms for expanding bilateral cooperation in wildlife crime investigations through enhanced intelligence sharing, closer coordination via INTERPOL channels, and improved communication between competent authorities. Both parties recognized the importance of timely information exchange and coordinated investigations in disrupting organized wildlife trafficking networks operating across international borders.

In addition, Lao PDR and Singapore seek to promote technical capacity-building activities for enforcement officers and scientific personnel, facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices, and develop a follow-up joint work plan to further strengthen the implementation of CITES enforcement measures.

The Department of Forestry emphasized that effective international cooperation is essential to addressing the increasingly sophisticated nature of transnational wildlife crime. Strengthening partnerships with regional CITES Management Authorities enhances the ability of national enforcement agencies to investigate illegal wildlife trade, improve intelligence-led enforcement operations, and ensure effective implementation of CITES obligations.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their strong commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in wildlife law enforcement, scientific collaboration and capacity development. The outcomes of the meeting represent another important step towards strengthening regional partnerships under CITES and contribute to the shared objective of preventing illegal wildlife trade, protecting endangered species and promoting biodiversity conservation throughout the region.