Business

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 (ASF) spreads across Laos and authorities restrict the movement of pigs and pork. State media have confirmed outbreaks in two districts and three villages in Vientiane Capital, including Sangthong district, where 115 pigs died across two...

Lao Migrant Workers Send Home USD 500 Million in First Seven Months of 2026

Lao migrant workers sent an estimated USD 500.7 million back to Laos during the...

Laos, China Launch Digital Payment Link For Cross-Border Transactions

Laos and China have launched a new digital payment link that allows Chinese visitors...

Laos Takes Chair of ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network

Laos has taken over the chairmanship of the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network for the...

Lao, Chinese Energy Firms to Study Battery Storage System for Laos Power Grid

On 11 September, Électricité du Laos (EDL) and Chinese energy company Shenzhen Yichu Smart...

Oil Prices Spike After United States Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites

AFP - Oil prices surged in early trade Monday on concerns of disruption to energy markets after US air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Asian...

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...