Socio-Economic Development

Laos Inflation Reaches 7.7% in August, Remains Above Target

Laos’ inflation rate reached 7.7 percent in August, a slight increase from 7.6 percent in July, while average inflation for the first eight months of the year stood at 7.9 percent. Housing, water supply, electricity and cooking fuel recorded the largest increase, rising 30.2 percent from the same period last...

Laos Tightens Foreign Borrowing Rules as Debt Risks Persist

Laos has tightened controls on foreign borrowing as the government seeks to limit debt...

Laos Economy Grows 5% in Year’s First Half, Government Holds to 6% Target

Laos’ economy expanded 5 percent in the first half of 2026, helped by a...

Laos Moves to Update Electricity Law for Energy Sector Shift

Laos is moving to update its electricity sector as the government prepares to adopt...

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...

Authorities Crack Down on Expired, Illegal Goods Across Multiple Provinces

Authorities in several provinces across Laos have recently destroyed significant quantities of expired, counterfeit, and illegal consumer goods in an effort to protect public...

Rising Prices in Laos Push More into Self-Employment, Work Abroad, World Bank Says

World Bank Lao PDR - Inflation in Laos is eroding living standards and reshaping the job market, according to the latest World Bank Household...

Vietnam Revives Nuclear Power Plans in New Energy Pact with Russia

Vietnam is reigniting its nuclear energy ambitions through a new partnership with Russia, as both countries agreed to accelerate talks on building nuclear power...

Laos, Switzerland Strengthen Efforts to Improve Dam Safety

Laos and Switzerland have reaffirmed their commitment to safer hydropower development with the successful convening of the Steering Committee meeting for the Dam Safety...

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...