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,...

Vietnam Parliament Approves Raising Alcohol Tax to 90 Percent by 203

On 14 June, Vietnam’s parliament passed legislation to increase the special consumption tax on beer and strong alcoholic beverages to 90 percent by 2031,...

Costa Group Becomes Sole Concession Owner of Laos Blueberry Operations

In a ceremony held on 13 June in the city of Pakse, leading global fresh produce company Costa Group officially became the sole concession...

China’s Aircraft Maker Seeks Majority Stake in Lao Airlines Amid Reforms

The Lao government is weighing a proposal from China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) to acquire a controlling stake in Lao Airlines, part of a...

Thai Airways Closes Thai Smile After THB 20.9 Billion in Losses of 12 Years of Service

Thai Airways International (THAI) has formally dissolved Thai Smile Airways—its low-cost subsidiary.  On 5 June, the company notified the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), confirming...

Lao Government Enforces Ban on Unregistered, Unlabeled Imported Food Starting 1 July

Starting 1 July, Laos will prohibit the import and sale of unregistered food products that lack approval from the Food and Drug Administration or...

Asian Markets Wobble as Trump-Xi Talks Offset by Musk Row

AFP - Asian markets stuttered Friday as optimism from "very positive" talks between United States presidents Donald Trump and China Xi Jinping was wiped...