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...

Australia’s Strategic Investments Propel Mekong Subregion Forward

Laos is central to the economic development of the Mekong subregion. The ongoing expansion of basic infrastructure in Laos is a key national priority....

Houaphan Authorities Investigate Chemical Leak from Mining Company

Houaphan's provincial authorities are promptly responding to reports of chemical discharge from Laos-China Rare Mineral Development Company North 2 Limited into a river in...

Laos, China Collaborate to Advance Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicines in Laos are poised for broader recognition as a state-run pharmaceutical enterprise partnered with three Chinese agencies to enhance the therapeutic potential...

Lao Government to Raise Value-Added Tax Rate to 10 Percent

The Lao government has announced plans to raise the value-added tax (VAT) rate from 7 percent to 10 percent as part of efforts to...

Cassava Leads Lao Exports in January 2024 Amid Trade Deficit

Cassava emerged as the leading export product in the initial month of this year,  according to reports from Lao government sources. Continuing a trend...

Cross-Border Tourism: 2024’s First Beijing to Laos Tourist Train Departs From Chinese Capital

The first Beijing to Laos cross-border tourist train of 2024 departed from the Chinese capital during the early hours of Monday morning, 18 March....