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...

Women with Disabilities Association Brings Lao Handicrafts to the Global Stage

The Women With Disability Association (WWDA) is leading an initiative to provide opportunities for women with disabilities in Laos.  The initiative, largely funded by the...

ASEAN Unveils Guidelines for Agroecology Transitions

Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in collaboration with key international partners, have officially launched the ASEAN Guidelines for Agroecology...

Australian Ambassador Pushes for Deeper Laos-Australia Economic Engagement

Australian Ambassador to Laos, Megan Jones, has called for stronger trade and investment ties between Australia and Laos, stressing the importance of opportunities in...

ASEAN Center for Energy Launches Net Zero Emissions Roadmap for Laos

In line with Laos’ commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the ASEAN Centre for Energy...

Luang Prabang Economy Sees Steady Growth, Surpassing GDP Targets

Luang Prabang has experienced steady economic growth over the past five years, with an average annual growth rate of 6.9 percent.  The province's gross domestic...

Laos Signs Clean Energy Deal with Chinese, Singaporean Firms

Laos has taken another step toward expanding its clean energy sector by signing a USD 1.45 billion agreement with China Western Power Industrial and...