Economy

African Swine Fever Disrupts Pork Supplies, Beef Prices Rise in Vientiane

The pork shortage is putting pressure on Vientiane’s meat markets as African swine fever (ASF) spreads across Laos and authorities restrict the movement of pigs and pork. State media have confirmed outbreaks in two districts and three villages in Vientiane Capital, including Sangthong district, where 115 pigs died across two...

Corruption Crackdown in Laos’s Attapeu Province Uncovers Millions in Financial Irregularities

Attapeu authorities have detailed five years of corruption investigations and financial irregularities, including a...

Lao Migrant Workers Send Home USD 500 Million in First Seven Months of 2026

Lao migrant workers sent an estimated USD 500.7 million back to Laos during the...

Vietnam Emerges as Laos’ Second-Largest Foreign Investor with USD 8 Billion in Projects

Vietnam has become Laos's second-largest foreign investor, with more than 400 projects worth a...

Laos, China Launch Digital Payment Link For Cross-Border Transactions

Laos and China have launched a new digital payment link that allows Chinese visitors...

Thailand Orders Suspension of Fuel Exports, Raising Risk of Shortages in Laos

Thailand has ordered the temporary suspension of fuel exports following Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a move that poses a direct threat...

Thailand Eases Oil Export Controls to Laos, Maintains Restrictions on Cambodia Shipments

Thailand has announced a relaxation of oil export controls at the Chong Mek border crossing in Ubon Ratchathani, effective 27 February. The move aims to...

Midwife from Remote Laos Village Bridges Gap in Maternal Health

UNFPA Laos - The road often disappears during the rainy season in Nongmek village, Paksong district, Champasak.  The first four kilometres remain unpaved. Heavy rain...

Laos Inflation Climbs to 6.2 Percent in February 2026, Driven by Housing, Energy Costs

Laos’ inflation rate rose to 6.2 percent in February 2026, up from 5.1 percent in the previous month, indicating renewed price pressures after a...

Golden Triangle SEZ Tax Revenue Plunges 49% in 2025 as Hundreds of Businesses Shut Down

Tax revenue in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province dropped nearly 49 percent in 2025, following the closure of 551...

Laos, The Asia Foundation Team Up to Protect Nature, People

The Asia Foundation - On 23 February, the Department of Environment under Laos’ Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, signed a partnership agreement with The...