Economy

Prime Minister Calls for Tighter Oversight of Boten SEZ Amid Development Challenges

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for stronger management of the Boten Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Luang Namtha as Laos seeks to expand the border area as a trade and investment hub. Laos began developing the Boten SEZ in 2012 to attract investment in finance, trade, industry, transport and...

Laos-China Railway Trade Surges as Cross-Border Freight Hits New Highs

Trade along the Laos-China Railway continued to grow sharply in the first half of...

Laos Identifies Two New Rare Earth Target Areas Across Four Provinces

Laos has completed field surveys and identified two major potential rare earth target areas...

Laos Studies USD 1 Billion Vientiane-Lidu Industrial Park in Pakngum

On 13 August, Laos agreed to study the development of a new industrial park...

Laos Border Checkpoints Report Strong Revenue Growth in First Half of 2026, Exceed Targets

Laos’ international border checkpoints collected strong state budget revenue in the first half of...

International Monetary Fund Says Laos Economy Stabilizing but Risks Remain

Laos has made progress in stabilizing its economy after a period of high inflation and exchange rate pressure, but significant risks remain, according to...

Fuel Prices Surge in Laos as Middle East Conflict Pushes Up Global Oil Costs

Fuel prices across Laos surged sharply on 6 March following turbulence in global oil markets triggered by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Under...

Thahao Reservoir Irrigation Project Set to Benefit Over 2,100 Families in Savannakhet

The Thahao reservoir and irrigation project currently under construction in Savannakhet Province is expected to benefit 2,174 families once completed. Located in Nakhum village, Outhoumphone...

Japan Supports Water Supply Improvements in Phongsaly Province

Japan has provided grant assistance of USD 17,400 to support a new water supply project in Phongsaly Province, aimed at improving access to safe...

Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Generates LAK 47.5 Billion in First Month of Operation

The 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which officially opened on 27 December 2025, generated more than LAK 47.5 billion (approximately USD 2.2 million) in state...

Vientiane Fuel Supply Stabilizing After Thailand Export Scare

Fuel supply conditions in Vientiane are beginning to stabilize following recent imports from Thailand, although some smaller stations remain out of stock. On 1 March,...