Economy

Vietnam, Philippines Reach Upper-Middle-Income Status as Laos Eyes 2035 Target

Vietnam and the Philippines have been reclassified as upper-middle-income economies by the World Bank, leaving Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste as the only ASEAN members still in the lower-middle-income category. The annual income classifications, released on 1 July, place seven of ASEAN's 11 members in the upper-middle-income bracket or higher....

Former EDL Executives, Senior Officials Get Life in Landmark Laos Corruption Cases

On 1 July, the Vientiane Capital People’s Court announced verdicts in four major corruption...

Vientiane Completes New 9.3-Kilometer Mekong Embankment

On 1 July, Vientiane officially opened a new 9.3-kilometer stretch of Mekong riverfront featuring...

China-Laos Low-Carbon Project Expected to Cut Emissions by More Than 1,200 Tons Annually

The Vientiane-Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than...

Lao President’s Book Donated to 22 Lao Schools Across Vientiane

More than 22 schools across Vientiane Capital received copies of President Thongloun Sisoulith’s memoir...

Laos Upgrades Section of National Road 2 to Strengthen Thailand-Laos-Vietnam Corridor

Laos is upgrading National Road 2, a key link connecting Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, as part of a broader push to strengthen regional trade...

Chao Anouvong Stadium Renovation on Track for October Completion

Vientiane's Chao Anouvong Stadium renovation has surpassed 70 percent completion and remains on schedule for handover in October 2026.  Shuji Hayashi, senior architect at Azusa...

Laos Welcomes Iran–US Deal as Tensions Ease in Middle East

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos has expressed satisfaction over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the United States...

Laos-China Railway Freight Tops 10 Million Tons in Early 2026, Triples Last Year

The Lao-China Railway (LCR) has transported more than 10 million tons of freight so far in 2026, more than triple the three million tons...

Laos, China Approve Seven New Development Projects Worth USD 3.31 Million

Laos has secured seven new development projects worth USD3.31 million under the Mekong–Lancang Special Fund for 2026, as it deepens cooperation with China on...

Russia to Begin Preliminary Studies for Nuclear Power Plant in Laos

Laos and Russia agreed to begin preliminary studies to set up a nuclear power plant in Laos with the initial phase aim to identify...