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...

Largest Urban Rail Transit Project in Thailand Nears Completion

The double-track railway project between Lop Buri and Pak Nam Pho in Thailand is set to launch in mid-2025.  This major infrastructure project, part of...

Laos, Canada Strengthen Partnership Toward Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement

On 18 February, the Embassy of Canada to Laos hosted a workshop in Vientiane Capital on emerging issues in the Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement...

National University of Laos to Expands Student Housing with New Dormitory Project

The National University of Laos (NUOL) has announced plans to expand student accommodations at its main campus in Dong Dok village, Vientiane. On 18 February,...

Empowering Laos’ Deaf Community Through Education and Employment

In Vientiane, a quiet revolution is taking place at local coffee shops where deaf individuals are not just serving coffee but also breaking down...

Lao-Swiss Collaboration: National University launches First ever Dam Safety Course for Next Generation of Experts

The first-ever dam engineering course in Laos was officially launched on 13 February, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance dam...

Lao Responsible Business Awards 2025 Honor Sustainability, Community Engagement

On 10 February, the Lao Responsible Business Awards 2025 celebrated businesses in Laos, demonstrating a strong commitment to social and environmental good practice.  The...