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...

China Remains Top Investor in Laos, Minister Reveals

Chinese investors have engaged in over 900 projects across various sectors in Laos, totaling more than USD 13 billion. This establishes China, once again,...

Laos Records Seven Months of Trade Deficit in 2023, Totaling USD 675 Million

Laos has grappled with a trade deficit for seven of the first nine months of this year, totaling USD 675 million. Only in February...

Thailand Reduces Work Permit Fees for Employees from Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam

Thailand issued an official notice that set new fees for inspections and work permits for foreign workers from Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam to...

Workshop on Canada-Laos Trade Policy Talks Indo-Pacific Strategy

On October 12, Canadian Chargé d’Affaires Bob Paquin and Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade Policy, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Saysana...

Laos Considers Raising VAT Rate to Boost Revenue

The Lao Ministry of Finance is considering raising the value-added tax (VAT) rate from 7 to 10 percent in an effort to boost government...

Local Authorities Host Seminar to Address Noise Pollution in Vientiane Capital

The Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Vientiane Capital, Laos, hosted a seminar on 26 October to discuss ways to solve noise pollution...