Economy

Laos Cabinet Approves New Draft Laws Amid 7.6% Inflation, Reviews Economic Priorities

Laos's Cabinet approved 12 draft laws and proposals during its August 24-25 meeting, as the government reported average inflation of 7.6 percent and reviewed economic, social and disaster-related challenges for the second half of 2026. The drafts cover government administration, public procurement, alcohol control, civil law, health insurance, social security,...

Laos Economy Grows 5% in Year’s First Half, Government Holds to 6% Target

Laos’ economy expanded 5 percent in the first half of 2026, helped by a...

Attapeu Looks to Job Support as School Dropouts Rise

Attapeu is expanding its employment services as the province seeks to respond to labor...

Laos Moves to Update Electricity Law for Energy Sector Shift

Laos is moving to update its electricity sector as the government prepares to adopt...

Laos Cuts 7-Day Base Interest Rate to 7% as Economic Risks Persist

The Bank of Laos (BOL) has cut its seven-day base interest rate from 8...

Highway Collapse in Southern China Kills at Least 36 People

BEIJING (AP) — A section of a highway collapsed after heavy rains in southern China, sending cars tumbling down a slope and leaving at least...

Lao Economic Growth Remains Below 2019 Levels, World Bank Report Reveals

Lao economic growth is facing continued challenges, with growth estimated to have remained below 2019 levels in 2023 and expected to stay below that...

Rural Laos Struggles with Dwindling Water Resources Amidst Climate Change

BY JONATHAN MEADLEY AND CHONO LAPUEKOU Amidst abundant water resources available in Laos, rural communities are grappling with a pressing challenge: access to clean water.  Once...

Mekong Tourism Forum 2024 Sets Stage for 2025 Tourism Event in Luang Prabang

The Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2024 kicked off on 25 April in Lijiang, China, under the theme "Visionary Journeys: Redefining Tomorrow’s Travel." This prominent...

Laos Faces Second Month of Trade Deficit Despite Cassava Export Boom

In February, cassava continued to dominate Laos' export market, maintaining its position as the top export product for the month. However, for the second...

Lao Government Advises Heat Safety Measures for Schools Amid Sweltering Temperatures

As the extreme heat from the sun shines upon Southeast Asia, many countries in the area have been heavily affected by the sweltering temperature,...