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 Inflation Climbs to 6.2 Percent in February 2026, Driven by Housing, Energy Costs

Laos’ inflation rate rose to 6.2 percent in February 2026, up from 5.1 percent in the previous month, indicating renewed price pressures after a...

Golden Triangle SEZ Tax Revenue Plunges 49% in 2025 as Hundreds of Businesses Shut Down

Tax revenue in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province dropped nearly 49 percent in 2025, following the closure of 551...

Laos Prioritizes Self-Reliant Economy in Next Five Years

The Lao government has planned to build a self-reliant and sustainable economy, leaders said Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the latest government meeting on...

Asian Development Bank Beefs Up Lao Livestock with USD 42.9 Million Project

Lao authorities have launched a new livestock development project backed by USD 42.9 million in funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The financing package...

Seven New Ambassadors Present Credentials to Lao President

On 17 February, President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith received letters of credence from seven newly appointed foreign ambassadors. The ambassadors represent Thailand, Finland, Egypt, Georgia,...

Laos, United Arab Emirates to Cooperate on Digital, AI, Cybersecurity, Economy

Laos has taken new steps to strengthen its digital security as the government pushes ahead with online services, artificial intelligence, and digital finance. During the...