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...

United States, WHO Launch USD 10 Million Initiative to Boost Maternal, Child Health in Laos

The United States and WHO recently unveiled a new multi-year partnership aimed at enhancing maternal, and child health, and nutrition in Laos. The initiative, called...

Lao Labor Ministry to Streamline Visa, Work Permit Processes for Foreign Workers

The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare is implementing new measures to facilitate the issuance of visas for illegal foreign workers and the renewal...

Survey Complete for Vientiane-Luang Prabang Expressway Link

The survey and preliminary design of an expressway, linking Vangvieng district in Vientiane province to Luang Prabang province, have been finalized. This development signals...

Migrant Workers from Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar Under Labor Agreement Advised to Leave Thailand by End of April

In an announcement dated 19 April, the Thai government issued a warning to workers from Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, urging them to depart Thailand...

Lao GDP Forecasted to Grow in 2024-2025, Says Asian Development Bank

Laos is expected to see moderate economic growth this year and next year, largely driven by external demand fueled by tourism and trade, as...

New Water Bill Receipt Fee Sparks Outrage Among Residents in Bokeo

Bokeo Province's Water Supply State Enterprise has stirred controversy with a new regulation requiring households to pay LAK 10,000 (approximately USD 0.47) for every...