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...

Thailand Expands Support to Laos with 30 Scholarships

Thailand will provide 30 master’s degree scholarships each year to Lao students, as both countries step up education cooperation under a new agreement.  Officials announced...

Laos Sets Sights on Stronger Universities With New Round of Education Reforms

Laos is investing in its higher education system, with the government announcing a new wave of reforms aimed at raising university standards, modernizing curricula,...

Laos Signs Deal to Build Clean Energy Industrial Zone in Oudomxay

The Lao government signed an agreement to build a large clean energy and aluminum industrial zone in Oudomxay Province, adding to the growing list...

Pakse Launches Free Bus Service Amid Fuel Shortage

Authorities in Pakse have introduced a temporary free public bus service to help residents cope with ongoing fuel shortages and rising fuel prices affecting...

Laos Orders Civil Servants to Work From Home, Switch to Electric Vehicles Amid Fuel Crisis

Laos' Prime Minister has ordered government ministries to cut back on in-person meetings, introduce rotating work shifts, and begin transitioning state vehicles to electric. This...

Xaysomboun Grants Concessions to Two Firms for 5MW Solar Projects

On 6 March, Xaysomboun Province signed a deal with two private companies for the development of two 5-megawatt solar power projects, advancing the province’s...