Development

Former MRC Chief Anoulak Kittikhoun Named First Lao Head of Mekong Institute

Former Mekong River Commission (MRC) Chief Executive Officer Anoulak Kittikhoun has been appointed Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Mekong Institute, becoming the first Lao national to lead the regional organisation. The appointment was announced during Mekong Forum 2026, held in Bangkok on 22–23 July, where the institute...

Trade, Energy, Tourism Drive Laos-Vietnam Economic Ties Past USD 1.3 Billion

Trade between Laos and Vietnam reached USD 1.305 billion during the first six months...

Laos Must Spend More on Healthcare as Costs Rise, World Bank Says

Healthcare in Laos is under growing financial pressure, and the country can no longer...

Thailand, China and Vietnam Fuel Laos’ Tourism Growth in 2026

Laos welcomed nearly 2.6 million international tourists in the first half of 2026, up...

Laos Launches Cultural Association to Preserve Heritage, Build Soft Power

On 16 July, Laos established a new cultural association tasked with preserving national heritage...

Laos Launches National Heart Care Program to Strengthen Pediatric Health Services

Laos has introduced a nationwide program aimed at improving the detection and treatment of congenital heart disease among children, marking one of the country’s...

Laos Sets Timeline for LDC Graduation, Begins Work on Readiness Assessment

Laos is moving ahead with preparations for its expected graduation from Least Developed Country status, with authorities targeting a transition period spanning 2026 to...

Laos–Vietnam Railway Construction to Begin in 2026, Operations Targeted for 2030

Construction of the first railway linking Laos and Vietnam is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the line expected to become operational by 2030,...

Laos to Establish Ore Inspection Offices to Boost State Revenue

The Lao government has signed an agreement to establish ore inspection offices at seven key border checkpoints, aiming to strengthen quality control of mineral...

i-Clean Recliners, Sofas Debut in Vientiane

La-Z-Boy, the renowned US furniture brand, has launched its latest innovation in Vientiane: the i-Clean fabric recliners and sofas. Specifically designed for households with...

Lao Brewery Company and PR Partner Rantau+ Win Gold at Global Sustainability and Purpose Awards

On 21 November, Lao Brewery Company (LBC), part of the Carlsberg Group, and its long-term PR partner Rantau+ received Gold in the Best Technological...