Laos attracted over USD 8.5 billion in investment approvals during the first seven months of 2026, with officials greenlighting 34 projects in concessionary businesses and controlled business lists.
The figures mark a 68 percent increase over the same period last year, and actual capital inflow from these projects has already surpassed USD 1 billion.
Officials revealed the numbers at the first Investment Promotion and Management Committee conference, held over two days from 11 to 12 August in Vientiane.
Speaking at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith said Laos has approved 5,394 domestic and foreign investment projects worth a combined USD 65.5 billion since it opened to private investment in 1989. Domestic investment in controlled and concessionary business activities accounts for about 23 percent of that total, he added.
China leads foreign investment with 970 projects worth USD 15 billion, followed by Vietnam with 441 projects worth USD 12.7 billion and Thailand with 686 projects worth USD 6.9 billion.
Japan has also expanded its footprint, with more than 160 companies now investing in Laos through direct investment and regional supply chains. This month, Laos and Japan revised their grant aid agreement for the Wattay International Airport improvement project, raising funding to JPY 3.863 billion (USD 26.5 million), up from the original amount set under the 2024 agreement, building on the upgrade project launched in May 2026.
