Development

Laos Collects USD 12 Million in Digital Taxes From Global Tech Companies

Laos has collected approximately USD 12 million in digital taxes from global technology companies since introducing its digital tax system in late 2024, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane. The tax applies to foreign digital service providers without a physical presence in Laos, including Microsoft,...

Vietnam, Philippines Reach Upper-Middle-Income Status as Laos Eyes 2035 Target

Vietnam and the Philippines have been reclassified as upper-middle-income economies by the World Bank,...

Vientiane Completes New 9.3-Kilometer Mekong Embankment

On 1 July, Vientiane officially opened a new 9.3-kilometer stretch of Mekong riverfront featuring...

Laos Reports Economic Growth as Inflation Slows to 7.4 Percent in June

Laos recorded 5 percent economic growth in the first half of 2026, while inflation...

Japan Approves USD 2.3 Million Scholarship Grant for Lao Civil Servants

Japan has approved JPY 378 million (USD 2.3 million) in scholarship funding to support...

Laos Nears Launch Southeast Asia’s Largest Wind Farm

Laos is set to launch its first wind farm, and the largest in Southeast Asia, by the end of the year, with all 133...

Luang Prabang Pushes for Green Destination Certification to Boost Sustainable Tourism

Luang Prabang is taking steps to further enhance its tourism sector by exploring the possibility of receiving the prestigious Tourism Destination Award from the...

Phu Quoc Airport Set for Mega Upgrade Ahead of APEC 2027

Phu Quoc International Airport in Kien Giang Province will undergo major expansion and upgrades to support the 2027 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Economic Leaders'...

Green and Smart Mobility Launches EV Platform, VinFast Car Sales in Laos

On 17 May, Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM), the operator of Xanh SM – Southeast Asia’s first all-electric ride-hailing service officially...

Cassava Exports from Laos Surge as Railway Boosts Trade Efficiency

Cassava exports from Laos have grown significantly in early 2025, thanks to increased shipments along the Laos-China Railway.  In the first five months this year,...

Six Dead from Poisonous Mushrooms: Xayabouly Health Authorities Issue Urgent Warning

On 13 May, the Xayabouly District Health Office issued a public warning following a series of mushroom poisoning cases that have resulted in six...