Business

Laos, Vietnam Restart USD 492M Potash Project in Khammouane

A USD 492 million potash mining and processing project in Khammouane is moving forward again after nearly a decade of delays, with production targeted for 2028. On 12 October, Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) held a ceremony in Nongbok District to mark the project’s restart. The planned processing plant is...

Laos Shifts Tourism Licensing Powers to Provincial, District Authorities

Laos is revising how tourism business licences are issued and enforced, dividing responsibilities among...

Laos to Reopen Applications for Non-Bank Financial Institutions by End of 2026

The Lao central bank plans to resume accepting applications to establish new non-bank financial...

Khammouane Targets UNESCO Geopark Status to Boost Tourism

Khammouane is preparing a UNESCO bid for the Hinboun Geopark, hoping the international designation...

African Swine Fever Disrupts Pork Supplies, Beef Prices Rise in Vientiane

The pork shortage is putting pressure on Vientiane’s meat markets as African swine fever...

Illegal Currency Exchange Services Causing Price Hikes

A senior Lao government official has warned that unregistered currency exchange services that violate currency regulations must be punished. A number of foreign currency exchange...

Laos to Develop Localized Office Software with Korean Support

South Korean software developer Hancom has announced that it will support Laos to develop localized office software. Currently, Microsoft’s MS Word and MS Office, as...

Indonesia’s Largest Bank Mandiri Eyes Lao Market

Indonesia’s state-owned Mandiri Bank has announced its intention to enter Laos and Cambodia. Rohan Nafas, Mandiri Bank corporate secretary, said the bank is now studying...

Alipay Payment Platform Set to Enter Laos

Chinese mobile payment platform Alipay is set to make a foray into Laos after Lao Development Bank (LDB) entered into an agreement with KIWI...

BCEL, UnionPay to Launch QR Code Payment Service in Laos

Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL) has joined hands with Chinese payment service provider UnionPay International (UPI) to roll out new QR...

Laos to Tighten Regulations on Gas Stations

Laos will tighten regulations on the location of fuel depots and gas stations in residential areas to ensure the safety of residents. According to a...