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...

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...

EU-ASEAN Relations Reach New Heights with New Development Projects in Laos, the Region

The longstanding partnership between Laos and the European Union (EU) reached new heights with the recent official visit of Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for...