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...

Vietnam Commits to Enhancing Education Ties with Laos, Offers Scholarships

Vietnam is set to award 1200 scholarships to Lao students in 2024, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced during the 6th session of...

Thailand’s Aging Population Drives Lao Labor Market Across the Border

Thailand needs more workers, and the younger Lao population is all set to step in. As Thailand’s population gets older, new job opportunities emerge...

Laos’ SEZs Surge with Major Investments, Fueling Economic Growth Amid Lingering Concerns for Worker Safety

Laos experienced a slight economic upswing in 2023 as approximately 178 companies funneled investments into Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across the country, generating over...

Thai Prime Minister Says Visa-Free Policy for Chinese Visitors to Be Made Permanent in March

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand and China will soon implement visa-free entry for each other’s citizens, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said Tuesday. Chinese nationals will...

Airport in Houaphanh Set for International Upgrade

Houaphanh province is set to upgrade Nong Khang airport to international status to boost tourism and economic development across the province, Governor Khampheng Saysompheng...

Government Targets Lower Inflation Rates in 2024

Despite the country's persistent efforts to curb inflation, Laos experienced an average inflation rate of 31.2 percent throughout 2023. But the central bank and...