Socio-Economic Development

Vientiane Completes New 9.3-Kilometer Mekong Embankment

On 1 July, Vientiane officially opened a new 9.3-kilometer stretch of Mekong riverfront featuring parks, walking and cycling paths, sports facilities, and flood protection infrastructure following the completion of Phase II of the Mekong River Integrated Management Project. The new embankment extends from Wat Nak village in Sisattanak District to...

Laos Raises Tax-Free Income Threshold Under New Personal Income Tax Rules

Laos has officially raised the monthly income exempt from personal income tax from LAK...

Laos Reports Economic Growth as Inflation Slows to 7.4 Percent in June

Laos recorded 5 percent economic growth in the first half of 2026, while inflation...

Laos Restores Higher Fuel Excise Taxes as Emergency Relief Measures End

On 24 June, Laos reinstated higher excise taxes on fuel, restoring regular gasoline tax...

Japan Approves USD 2.3 Million Scholarship Grant for Lao Civil Servants

Japan has approved JPY 378 million (USD 2.3 million) in scholarship funding to support...

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...