Economy

Laos Orders Local Trade Offices to Stop Restricting Business Competition

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has ordered trade offices nationwide to stop imposing measures that restrict business competition or obstruct the movement of goods. Issued on 28 October, the order took effect immediately and applies to industry and commerce departments in Vientiane Capital and all provinces, as well as...

Laos Inflation Eases to 7.7 Percent as Electricity Costs Remain High

Laos’ inflation edged down to 7.7 percent in October from 7.8 percent in September,...

Laos Links South Korea Work Visas to Overstay Rates as Program Expands

Laos will suspend access to South Korea’s seasonal work program for 3 years if...

Laos Bans Money Bouquets, Crafts Made From Kip Banknotes

Laos has banned the production, sale, and advertising of crafts made from kip banknotes,...

Laos Targets Faster Border Checks in USD 5 Million Trade Project

Laos is preparing local businesses for higher costs when selling goods abroad, as the...

Laos Sees 76% Increase in Banana Export Value in 2019

A surge in production has seen Laos increase the export value of bananas by 76 percent. The export value of bananas to neighboring countries, mainly...

Laos to Clear 10,000 Hectares of UXO in 2020

The Lao National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for the UXO and mine clearance sector has set a target this week to clear and destroy unexploded...

Laos to Experience Electricity Shortage During Hot Season

Electricity generation will not be sufficient to supply all areas in Laos during times of peak consumption from March to June, according to authorities,...

Laos Suffers Trade Deficit of USD 137m in 2019

Laos recorded a trade deficit of USD 137 million in 2019, although the country exported more than its yearly plan. The value of exports last...

Laos Sees 145% Energy Export Growth between 2016-2020

Laos has increased its electricity exports by 145 percent over the past five years amid a growing number of hydropower plants. The country expanded electricity...

World Bank Classifies Laos as Lower-Middle-Income Economy for 2020

The World Bank has classified Laos as a lower-middle-income economy in its latest classification for the 2020 fiscal year. The bank classifies the world’s economies...