Economy

Laos Opens New Route for Businesses to Protect Product Designs Abroad

From 14 October, Lao designers and businesses will be able to protect the look of their products in multiple countries through a single application submitted to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), instead of filing separate applications in every country where they want protection. The change works both ways. Foreign...

Bear Paws, Pangolin Meat Seized in Vientiane Restaurant Raid Amid Laos’ Wider Crackdown

Lao authorities have stepped up their crackdown on illegal wildlife trade after raiding a...

Laos Formalizes Shanghai Cooperation Organization Dialogue Partner Status

Laos has strengthened its regional ties after formally confirming its status as a Dialogue...

Global Financial Bodies Warns of Slower Growth, Higher Inflation for Laos in 2026

Laos' economy is expected to continue expanding this year, even as slower growth and...

Railway Expansion, Education Reform Among Key Issues at National Assembly

Expanding the railway to southern Laos, rolling out a new school system, reducing poverty,...

Lao PM Calls for ‘De-dollarization’ and Further Regulation of Foreign Currencies

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone signed a seven-page order on 14 July to ensure that foreign exchange earned through exports and foreign investments, enters the...

Khammouane Provincial Hospital Faces Medicine Shortage

Khammouane Provincial Hospital is currently facing a critical shortage of essential medicines, with patients now being asked to bring their own. In a recent notice...

Laos Vows to Expand Nationwide Mobile Phone Coverage by 2025

Lao Ministry of Science and Technology has pledged to increase mobile phone coverage in the country, especially in rural areas by 2025.  Mr. Boviengkham Vongdara,...

Lao Central Bank Governor Urges Curbing Luxury Imports to Tackle Inflation

The Governor of the Bank of Lao PDR, Mr. Bounleua Sinxayvoravong, presented a bold proposal to the National Assembly, calling for stringent limitations on...

Thailand Includes Laos-China Railway in 2024 Strategic Direction, Boosting Tourism Connectivity

Thailand's Tourism Authority has incorporated the Laos-China Railway into its 2024 strategic direction, aiming to enhance tourism connectivity and attract quality visitors, marking a...

Laos Co-chairs Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok

Laos secured funding of USD 500,000 for a series of poverty reduction projects through the Mekong-Ganga scheme during the 12th Mekong-Ganga River Cooperation Framework...