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...

France-Laos Economic Forum Celebrates 70 Years of Diplomatic, Business Ties

VIENTIANE, LAOS — As the longstanding diplomatic bond between Laos and France nears its 70th milestone, the international business arena sets its sights on...

Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce Works to Address Land Port Issues

The Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) is taking steps to improve the import-export process at land ports across the country. In a meeting...

USAID Okard Celebrates Success in Promoting Disability-Inclusive Development in Laos

On 11-13 October, Acting USAID Country Representative to Laos Kevin Smith and Deputy Director General of the Department of Policy for Devotees, Persons with...

Lao Residents Continue Crossing to Thailand Amidst High Inflation

Residents in Laos are still seen actively traveling to neighboring Thailand despite high inflation and fluctuating foreign currency prices. Since the reopening of the Lao-Thai...

Freight Train Between Vientiane, Shanghai Officially Launched

A freight train service linking Vientiane Capital, Laos, and Shanghai, China, was officially launched on 8 October. This freight service which links the Laos-China Railway...

Thai Credit Rating Agency Demotes Lao Sovereign Rating to Below Investment Grade

The Lao government has issued the first-ever Thai Baht bond in the Lao domestic market, as a Thai credit agency downgraded the country’s credit...