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...

Deputy Prime Minister Asks for Peace and Stability in Golden Triangle

The Minister of Public Security has urged authorities to maintain peace and stability in the Golden Triangle during last weeks visit. Deputy Prime Minister and...

Residents in Laos Still Face Rapid Inflation in Meat Prices

Residents, markets, and restaurants of Laos struggle to afford meat, particularly pork and beef, as prices continue to rise. According to a report by the...

Laos Approves Regulated Production of Cannabis for Medical Use

The Ministry of Health has issued a Decision approving the production and distribution of hemp, or cannabis sativa L, for medicinal use in Laos....

Laos Scores Lowest in ASEAN’s Primary Education

Lao primary school students have received the lowest scores in math, reading, and writing among six ASEAN countries in a large 2020 study. According to...

Thai Railway Delegation Visits Laos for Transportation Discussions

A delegation from Thailand's railway and customs departments visited Laos on Thursday to discuss ways to further cooperation in cross-border transportation, including links to...

Brunei to Increase Long-term LNG Sales to Japan

Brunei LNG will begin supplying liquified natural gas to Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. (JAPEX) in April, as the business aims to stabilize its finances...