Business

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 in Vientiane, with the proposed project expected to attract around USD 1 billion in investment. The feasibility study for the Vientiane-Lidu Industrial Park will cover 307 hectares across four villages in Pakngum district and is expected...

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...

Chinese Commerce Chamber Urges Businesses in Laos to Cut Ties with Scam Networks

The General Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Laos has told its members to check...

Laos Inflation Edges Up in July, Electricity Prices Surge 91.5% Year-on-Year

Electricity prices jumped 91.5 percent in July compared to the same month last year,...

Former MRC Chief Anoulak Kittikhoun Named First Lao Head of Mekong Institute

Former Mekong River Commission (MRC) Chief Executive Officer Anoulak Kittikhoun has been appointed Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Mekong Institute, becoming...

Trade, Energy, Tourism Drive Laos-Vietnam Economic Ties Past USD 1.3 Billion

Trade between Laos and Vietnam reached USD 1.305 billion during the first six months of 2026, as growing cross-border trade, tourism and infrastructure projects...

Sihom Night Market Vendors Left in Limbo Ahead of 25 July Closure

Sihom Night Market in Vientiane Capital will officially close on 25 July, but with just two days to go, many vendors say they still...

Thailand, China and Vietnam Fuel Laos’ Tourism Growth in 2026

Laos welcomed nearly 2.6 million international tourists in the first half of 2026, up 9.9 percent from the same period last year, according to...

Laos Requires Approval for Home EV Chargers, Tightens Rules on Charging Stations

Residents across Laos will now need government approval before installing electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment at home, under new regulations aimed at improving safety. A...

Laos Launches Cultural Association to Preserve Heritage, Build Soft Power

On 16 July, Laos established a new cultural association tasked with preserving national heritage while positioning culture as a tool for soft power, tourism,...