Business

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 percent to 7 percent a year as inflation remains below the government’s 8 percent target. The Monetary Policy Committee approved the cut at its meeting on 20 August, where it reviewed monetary policy, economic conditions, fuel...

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...

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...

Vientiane Special Economic Zones Attract Over USD 622 Million in Investment in First Nine Months of 2024

During the first nine months of 2024, Vientiane’s five special economic zones (SEZs) attracted investments from 39 new domestic and foreign companies, totaling USD...

September Trade Figures Show Drop in Exports, Imports for Laos, Excluding Electricity

In September, Laos recorded a total foreign trade valuation of USD 1,064 million, marking a 12 percent decline from August, according to the Lao...

Hong Kong Eases Visa Rules for Lao, Cambodian, and Myanmar Citizens

Hong Kong has announced relaxed visa rules for nationals of Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, making it easier for them to apply for multiple-entry visas...

Scoot Airlines Expands Flights to Laos Starting December

Singapore’s Scoot Airlines will increase its flights to Laos from three to four per week beginning in December. This announcement follows Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence...

Vientiane Province’s Checkpoint Upgraded to International Status

The Ban Vang Local Checkpoint has been officially upgraded to an international border checkpoint, connecting Laos's Vientiane Province to Thailand's Loei Province. This development...

New Building at Mahosot Hospital Opens, Marks Laos-China Cooperation Milestone

A ceremony to inaugurate the new building at Mahosot Hospital took place on 12 October, attended by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Laos and...