Socio-Economic Development

Lao Migrant Workers Send Home USD 500 Million in First Seven Months of 2026

Lao migrant workers sent an estimated USD 500.7 million back to Laos during the first seven months of 2026, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.  The ministry shared the figures during a labor migration meeting in Vientiane on 22 September. Employment Department Director General Anousone Khamsingsavath said...

Thailand Approves Loan for New Mekong Bridge in Luang Prabang

Thailand’s Cabinet approved financial assistance for the Lao government to construct the Xiengman-Luang Prabang...

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...

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 Drops in Global Happiness Rankings, Economic Factors Play Key Role

In the 2024 global happiness report, Laos has slid down to the 94th position among more than 140 countries worldwide, marking a decline of...

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...