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...

Mekong River Commission Launches Education Hub, One Mekong App in Vientiane

On 23 December, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) celebrated the opening of its Education and Visitor Center and the launch of the One Mekong...

Bamboo Concession Project to Boost Local Economy in Oudomxay Province.

On 20 December, Oudomxay Province signed a concession agreement with Ammata Lao Lanexang Co., Ltd., a private company, granting them the rights to utilize...

Vientiane Surpasses Poverty Reduction Target, 99.43% Progress Achieved

Almost the entirety of Vientiane’s population is now above the poverty line, according to Sengaloun Souliyavong, the Head of Vientiane's Department of Agriculture and...

Rising Costs Prompt Market Reform Proposals

National Assembly Representative for Vientiane Capital, Valy Vethsaphong, has called on the Lao government to address the rising prices of essential goods, despite the...

Vientiane Economy Hits 5.85 Percent Growth, Beating Expectations

Vientiane Capital's economy grew by 5.85 percent, surpassing the National Assembly's initial target of 0.30 percent, according to the city Mayor Atsaphangthong Siphandone.  Atsaphangthong reported...

Creative Economy Revolution: How ASEAN’s Youth are Leading the Charge

On 2 to 5 December, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit 2024 brought together 100 young leaders from across ASEAN and Timor-Leste...