Socio-Economic Development

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 for responsible business operations. The meeting, led by The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and the International Labor Organization (ILO), brought together government, workers’ and employers’ representatives, business associations and enterprises to discuss...

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 Economy Grows 5% in Year’s First Half, Government Holds to 6% Target

Laos’ economy expanded 5 percent in the first half of 2026, helped by a...

Laos Moves to Update Electricity Law for Energy Sector Shift

Laos is moving to update its electricity sector as the government prepares to adopt...

Laos Launches New Job Search Website to Address Labor Market Challenges

On 14 August, Laos unveiled a new job search website, developed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MOLSW) with support from the...

Vehicle Registration in Vientiane Exceeds City’s Population

In Vientiane Capital, the number of registered vehicles has now surpassed the city's population, exacerbating traffic congestion, pollution, and safety concerns. According to Amphaivanh...

Laos Faces USD 154 Million Trade Deficit in July, Seventh Consecutive Month of Imbalance

Laos recorded a USD 154 million trade deficit in July, marking its seventh consecutive month of trade imbalances. According to the Trade Information Center...

From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development

The Lao Youth Union (LYU) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) marked International Youth Day with an event that gathered 300 young people...

Laos Establishes Bullion Bank to Secure Gold Reserves, Stabilize Kip

The Ministry of Finance, has signed an agreement with PTL  Holding Co., Ltd. on 7 August to establish the Lao Bullion Bank to build...

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...