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...

Bank of Laos to Launch Centralized Forex Market

The Bank of Laos (BOL) and 15 commercial banks signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 5 August to establish a centralized foreign exchange...

Study Reveals Water Insecurity Crisis in Rural Laos, Urges Improved Management Strategies

Despite Laos' abundant water resources, a recent research by the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Health Sciences has revealed critical issues...

Laos: July Inflation Rate Remains High Amid Rising Living Costs

In July, Laos continued to grapple with high inflation, with the rate slightly decreasing to 26.1 percent from June's peak of 26.2 percent. The...

South Korea Joins Forces with Mekong River Commission to Transform Mekong River Basin

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has officially announced the Republic of Korea (ROK) as its newest Development Partner. In a move towards enhancing regional...

Flights Without Limits: Switzerland, Laos Forge New Air Services Deal

Switzerland and Laos have signed a new bilateral agreement on scheduled air services. Finalized on 26 July, the document replaces the outdated accord from...

Laos to Introduce Advanced Digital Business Licensing with E-Filing System

The Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications (MOTC) has teamed up with a private company to develop an advanced digital business licensing system, also...