Socio-Economic Development

Lao Migrant Workers Send Home USD 500 Million in First Seven Months of 2026

Lao migrant workers sent an estimated USD 500.7 million back to Laos during the first seven months of 2026, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.  The ministry shared the figures during a labor migration meeting in Vientiane on 22 September. Employment Department Director General Anousone Khamsingsavath said...

Thailand Approves Loan for New Mekong Bridge in Luang Prabang

Thailand’s Cabinet approved financial assistance for the Lao government to construct the Xiengman-Luang Prabang...

Business, Labor Experts Talk Responsible Business Standards as Laos Prepares for LDC Graduation

Business and labor experts met in Vientiane on 3 September to discuss standard guidelines...

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...

Laos Tightens Foreign Borrowing Rules as Debt Risks Persist

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

ASEAN Unveils Guidelines for Agroecology Transitions

Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in collaboration with key international partners, have officially launched the ASEAN Guidelines for Agroecology...

Australian Ambassador Pushes for Deeper Laos-Australia Economic Engagement

Australian Ambassador to Laos, Megan Jones, has called for stronger trade and investment ties between Australia and Laos, stressing the importance of opportunities in...

Luang Prabang Economy Sees Steady Growth, Surpassing GDP Targets

Luang Prabang has experienced steady economic growth over the past five years, with an average annual growth rate of 6.9 percent.  The province's gross domestic...

Laos Achieves Trade Surplus of USD 310 Million in February

Laos recorded a trade surplus of USD 310 million in February, as the total value of imports and exports (excluding electricity) reached approximately USD...

Lao Government Grants Tax Exemption Up to 30 years for Amata Investment Zone

On 20 March, members of the National Assembly (NA) approved a special incentive package for investors in the Amata Special Economic Zone, granting them...

Lao National Assembly Debates Major Constitutional Reforms: What’s at Stake

The Lao National Assembly is currently debating the 2025 Draft Constitution of Laos, which proposes a number of major changes to the country’s legal...