Socio-Economic Development

‘Hidden Hands’ Cave Opens as New Tourism Site in Khammouane

On 8 June, authorities in Khammouane Province have officially opened Hidden Hands Cave (Tham Pha Mue) to visitors, marking the launch of a new heritage tourism destination expected to strengthen cultural tourism and raise the province’s international profile. The opening follows several years of archaeological research conducted by Lao and...

Laos Releases Dengue-Blocking Mosquitoes in Savannakhet

On 9 June, Savannakhet Province launched its first bacteria-enhanced mosquito release program, becoming the...

Laos Inflation Drops to 9 Percent, But Living Costs Remain High

Laos recorded an inflation rate of 9 percent in May, down from 10.2 percent...

Bank of Laos Maintains 7-Day Base Interest Rate at 8% Amid Rising Inflation

The Bank of Laos (BOL) confirmed it will maintain its 7-day base interest rate...

Laos Hydropower Firm EDL-Gen Rebounds to Profit in 2025

Electricité du Laos (EDL) Generation Public Company,  known as EDL-Gen, reported a financial comeback,...

Celebrating 15 Years of Success: Nam Theun 2 Gala Dinner

On 30 April, Nam Theun 2 Power Company celebrated its 15th anniversary of operation with a grand gala dinner.  The event took place at the...

Laos Seeks Solutions to Address New United States Tariff Hikes

Laos' exports to the United States are expected to face significant impacts following the recently announced tariff increases, prompting the Lao government to seek...

Japan Honors Sonexay Siphandone with Order of the Rising Sun

On 29 April, the Japanese government announced that Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun is conferred on Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister...

Vietnam to Establish English as Second Language by 2035

Vietnam is set to establish English as the second language for all general education students by 2035, with full implementation continuing through 2045.  This plan,...

East Asia Pacific Growth Slows in 2025, World Bank Says

East Asia and Pacific has led in economic growth, but to sustain momentum and create jobs, countries must address global uncertainties. Key challenges include...

Lao, China Bilateral Trade Increases to USD 8.23 Billion in 2024, Marking Significant Growth

In 2024, Laos and China achieved a significant milestone in trade, with a total value of USD 8.23 billion, marking a 15.91 percent increase...