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 Lifts 31,000 Families from Poverty Amid Skepticism

By Kheuakham Chanlivong and Phontham Visapra Laos has lifted 31,232 families out of poverty, reaching 89.23 percent of its 2024 target. The progress was shared...

Luang Prabang Seeks Visa Waiver Extension for More Chinese Tourists

Luang Prabang Province is calling for the Lao government to extend visa waivers for Chinese tourists, aiming to boost tourism and enhance visitor experiences...

Irrigation Water Reservoir Set to Benefit 1,760 Families in Champasack

The newly constructed Huay Vang Hay irrigation reservoir in Phonthong village, Champasack, is set to significantly impact local agriculture, benefiting approximately 1,760 families.  With a...

Laos to Introduce New Rules to Strengthen Lao Kip, Reduce Reliance on Foreign Currency

In an effort to stabilize the national economy and reduce reliance on foreign currencies, the Bank of Laos and the Lao government are set...

Lao Government Calls for Boost in Agricultural Production in 2025

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called on the agriculture and forestry sectors to enhance production and exports while reducing reliance on imports, emphasizing this...

Traditionally-crafted Bamboo Brooms Earn National Recognition

Broom-making is more than just a craft in Bokeo’s Kang village, it’s a long standing tradition that has been passed down for generations.  On 24...