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...

Laos Faces Economic Struggles Amidst Rising Inflation, Trade Deficit

Laos is grappling with ongoing economic challenges, marked by a dual struggle against rising inflation rates and a widening trade deficit. Although the year-on-year...

Lao Economic Growth Remains Below 2019 Levels, World Bank Report Reveals

Lao economic growth is facing continued challenges, with growth estimated to have remained below 2019 levels in 2023 and expected to stay below that...

Laos Faces Second Month of Trade Deficit Despite Cassava Export Boom

In February, cassava continued to dominate Laos' export market, maintaining its position as the top export product for the month. However, for the second...

United States, WHO Launch USD 10 Million Initiative to Boost Maternal, Child Health in Laos

The United States and WHO recently unveiled a new multi-year partnership aimed at enhancing maternal, and child health, and nutrition in Laos. The initiative, called...

Survey Complete for Vientiane-Luang Prabang Expressway Link

The survey and preliminary design of an expressway, linking Vangvieng district in Vientiane province to Luang Prabang province, have been finalized. This development signals...

Lao GDP Forecasted to Grow in 2024-2025, Says Asian Development Bank

Laos is expected to see moderate economic growth this year and next year, largely driven by external demand fueled by tourism and trade, as...