Socio-Economic Development

Laos Economy Grows 4.8 percent in Nine Months, but Inflation, Tourism Lag

Laos’ economy grew 4.8 percent in the first nine months of 2026, Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith told lawmakers on 5 October, crediting manufacturing, private investment, electricity, trade and tourism-related services. Saleumxay delivered the figure on the opening day of the second ordinary session of the 10th National Assembly, which runs...

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...

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...

Inflation Rate in Laos Dips Slightly to 24.98 Percent in March

Amidst a backdrop of economic challenges, Laos experienced a marginal decline in its inflation rate, dipping to 24.98 percent in March from February's 25.35...

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...