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...

Australia Joins World Bank to Support Laos’ Land-Linked Agenda

Greater connectivity is a goal for Laos and a goal for ASEAN. This is why the World Bank and the Government of Laos have...

Houaphan Authorities Investigate Chemical Leak from Mining Company

Houaphan's provincial authorities are promptly responding to reports of chemical discharge from Laos-China Rare Mineral Development Company North 2 Limited into a river in...

Laos, China Collaborate to Advance Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicines in Laos are poised for broader recognition as a state-run pharmaceutical enterprise partnered with three Chinese agencies to enhance the therapeutic potential...

Lao Government to Raise Value-Added Tax Rate to 10 Percent

The Lao government has announced plans to raise the value-added tax (VAT) rate from 7 percent to 10 percent as part of efforts to...

Cassava Leads Lao Exports in January 2024 Amid Trade Deficit

Cassava emerged as the leading export product in the initial month of this year,  according to reports from Lao government sources. Continuing a trend...

Lao Students Bid Farewell as They Embark on Scholarship Programs in Japan

Lao students set to pursue their studies in Japan received a warm farewell during a send-off reception hosted at the residence of the Ambassador...