Economy

Laos Cuts 7-Day Base Interest Rate to 7% as Economic Risks Persist

The Bank of Laos (BOL) has cut its seven-day base interest rate from 8 percent to 7 percent a year as inflation remains below the government’s 8 percent target. The Monetary Policy Committee approved the cut at its meeting on 20 August, where it reviewed monetary policy, economic conditions, fuel...

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...

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...

Tropical Storm Bualoi Causes Widespread Damage Across Laos, Leaves Four Deaths

Between 28 and 30 September, Tropical Storm Bualoi, the country’s 20th storm of the year, swept across Laos, bringing heavy rains, floods, and flash...

World Sight Day 2025: Investing in Eye Health Could Bring USD 31.2 Million Benefit to Laos Over the Next Five Years

A recent study revealed that an investment of USD 2.12 million in eye health could generate USD 31.2 million in economic benefits for Laos...

Cross-Border Wind Power Project in Laos to Begin Supplying Vietnam by End of 2025

A major wind power project backed by Vietnamese investment in Laos’ Bolikhamxay Province is now 80 percent complete and is expected to begin full...

East Asia, Pacific Face Slower Growth Without Job-Focused Reforms

World Bank Laos - East Asia and the Pacific continue to grow faster than most parts of the world, but countries need stronger reforms...

Lao Students Celebrate Teacher’s Day with Goats, Chickens, Gratitude

On Laos’ National Teacher’s Day, celebrated each year on 7 October, students across the country show appreciation for their educators in heartfelt, and sometimes...

Lao Prime Minister Visits US to Strengthen Economic Ties, Seek Tariff Reductions

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone concluded a high-level working visit to Washington D.C., United States, from 27 to 30 September, aimed at deepening economic cooperation...