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,...

Laos, Lithuania Sign New Cooperation Agreement to Boost Diplomatic Ties

On 27 April, Lao Foreign Affairs Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys signed a new bilateral cooperation agreement in Bandar Seri...

Laos-China Trade Nears USD 10 Billion as Ties Deepen

Laos and China marked 65 years of diplomatic relations this week, with both sides highlighting deepening economic ties, including more than USD 18 billion...

Laos PM Orders Tighter Safety Rules for Tourism Sector

Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for stricter safety measures across Laos’ tourism sector, with a focus on high-risk and emerging activities, as...

Thailand Expands Support to Laos with 30 Scholarships

Thailand will provide 30 master’s degree scholarships each year to Lao students, as both countries step up education cooperation under a new agreement.  Officials announced...

Laos Reviews Minimum Wage Increase as Living Costs Rise

Lao authorities are reviewing a proposed increase to the national minimum wage, with figures under discussion reaching up to LAK 4.1 million (USD 190)...

Laos Sets Sights on Stronger Universities With New Round of Education Reforms

Laos is investing in its higher education system, with the government announcing a new wave of reforms aimed at raising university standards, modernizing curricula,...