Business

Laos Tightens Foreign Borrowing Rules as Debt Risks Persist

Laos has tightened controls on foreign borrowing as the government seeks to limit debt risks and reduce pressure on foreign-currency reserves and the Lao kip. Under a new Bank of Laos decision issued in August, individuals and companies must obtain central bank approval before taking certain loans, guarantees, trade credits...

Laos Cuts 7-Day Base Interest Rate to 7% as Economic Risks Persist

The Bank of Laos (BOL) has cut its seven-day base interest rate from 8...

Laos Studies USD 1 Billion Vientiane-Lidu Industrial Park in Pakngum

On 13 August, Laos agreed to study the development of a new industrial park...

Vientiane Halts New Microfinance, Pawnshop Licenses Amid Regulatory Review

On 31 July, the Bank of the Lao PDR (BoL) suspended applications for new...

Lao Authorities, Lao Bank Seek Legal Action Against Thai Media Over Money Laundering Claims

On 31 July, Lao authorities and Lao Development Bank (LDB) met with Thailand's Central...

Papua New Guinea’s Bank South Pacific to Enter Laos This Year

Papua New Guinea's Bank South Pacific (BSP) plans to finalize the acquisition of its joint-venture business in Laos worth about USD 2 million. The new...

Laos Mining Sector Sees Decline Despite Rich Resources

The mining sector in Laos has seen a sharp decline after legislators ordered the suspension of new mining operations in 2016. The mining sector has...

South Korean Firm Scores Construction Project in Savannakhet

South Korea's Dongbu Corporation has been awarded a construction project in Savannakhet province worth about USD 25.6 million. The project, ordered by the Lao Ministry...

Laos Launches QR Code Payment Standard

The Bank of Lao PDR has launched a Lao QR Code standard for electronic payments in a move to improve payment services and integration...

Laos Eyes Production of Korean Rice Wine

Laos Army Import and Export Trading and Korean firm ROAD have agreed to produce and distribute Korean rice wine in Laos. Korean rice wine, or...

Laos Clarifies Business Requirements for Vehicle Industry

Laos has promulgated a new prime ministerial decree clarifying the import and export of vehicles, dealerships, and assembly plants as different types of business. According...