Development

Prime Minister Calls for Tighter Oversight of Boten SEZ Amid Development Challenges

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for stronger management of the Boten Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Luang Namtha as Laos seeks to expand the border area as a trade and investment hub. Laos began developing the Boten SEZ in 2012 to attract investment in finance, trade, industry, transport and...

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...

Laos Attracts USD 8.5 Billion in Investment Projects in First Seven Months of 2026

Laos attracted over USD 8.5 billion in investment approvals during the first seven months...

Laos State Utility Revenue Grows 9.4 Percent in First Half of 2026

Electricité du Laos (EDL), the state-owned power utility, grew its revenue by 9.4 percent...

Oudomxay Seeks More Railway Services to Boost Investment

Authorities in Oudomxay Province, northern Laos, have announced plans to expand railway services and...

Laos Prioritizes Self-Reliant Economy in Next Five Years

The Lao government has planned to build a self-reliant and sustainable economy, leaders said Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the latest government meeting on...

Supreme Court Blocks Trump Tariffs, 15 Percent Levy Keeps Pressure on Laos

A landmark US Supreme Court ruling has reshaped Washington’s trade policy, but for small economies like Laos, the relief may prove temporary. On 20 February,...

Asian Development Bank Beefs Up Lao Livestock with USD 42.9 Million Project

Lao authorities have launched a new livestock development project backed by USD 42.9 million in funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The financing package...

Seven New Ambassadors Present Credentials to Lao President

On 17 February, President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith received letters of credence from seven newly appointed foreign ambassadors. The ambassadors represent Thailand, Finland, Egypt, Georgia,...

Laos Signs Deal with South Korean Firm for 100 MW Solar Project in Oudomxay

On 11 February, Laos’ state electricity enterprise has signed an agreement with a South Korean private company to explore the development of a 100-megawatt...

January Trade Surplus Marks Sharp Rebound from Year-Earlier Deficit

Laos began 2026 on stronger footing, with exports rising to USD 886.7 million in January, up 36 percent from the same month last year....