Economy

Laos Considers VAT Exemption to Subsidize Electricity for Low-Income Households

Laos’ National Assembly (NA) is considering a proposal to exempt subsidized residential electricity from Value-Added Tax (VAT) as the government looks for ways to ease living costs for low-income households. The Standing Committee raised the proposal during its monthly meeting on 6-7 August. According to the NA, the VAT exemption would...

Oudomxay Seeks More Railway Services to Boost Investment

Authorities in Oudomxay Province, northern Laos, have announced plans to expand railway services and...

Vientiane Halts New Microfinance, Pawnshop Licenses Amid Regulatory Review

On 31 July, the Bank of the Lao PDR (BoL) suspended applications for new...

Lao State Fuel Enterprise Posts 70 Percent Profit Surge in 2025, Eyes Stock Market Listing

The Lao state-owned Lao State Fuel Company (LSFC) reported a sharp rise in profits...

Naphao Customs Exceeds Annual Target on Mining Debt Repayments, Trade Growth

Naphao International Border Checkpoint in Khammouane Province collected more than LAK 669.5 billion (USD...

Laos Records Trade Surplus of USD 48 Million in February

Laos recorded a trade surplus of USD 48 million in February, making for a better start to the year. Laos' trade surplus was approximately USD...

BCEL Ramps Ups Security Following ATM Skimming Scare

Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL) has advised chip cardholders to update their passwords to avoid ATM skimming which is now quite...

Lao Prime Minister Orders Installation of Immigration Checkpoints at Railway Stations

Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, instructed the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on Thursday to set up immigration booths at train stations...

Rampant Inflation Causes Households To Rethink Education

A recent survey shows that households in Laos are slashing expenses on education, health, and food due to skyrocketing inflation. Economists have raised concerns about...

Tourists from Laos, Thailand Flock to See Buddhist Stupa in Mekong River

An ancient Buddhist relic believed to be 700 years old was found floating in the middle of the Mekong River and has drawn a...

Australia and Laos Strengthen Cooperation During Visit by Michelle Chan

One of Australia's top diplomats, Michelle Chan, visited Laos this week to discuss working towards upgrading bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership. Lao Deputy Minister...