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...

Laos Added to Financial Grey List as Concerns Grow

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has added Laos to its grey list due to concerns over financial crime enforcement, while the Philippines successfully...

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...