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...

Laos Won’t Default on its Loans, Assures PM

Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh informed the ongoing session of the National Assembly that the government would try its best to repay public debt so...

Two Lao-Americans Get Elected as Mayors in the United States

Xaykham “Xay” Khamsyvoravong was unanimously chosen as mayor of Newport, Rhode Island and Oakland City Council Member Sheng Thao emerged as the mayor of...

Laos Ranks Lowest in Global English Proficiency Test

The Education First English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) conducts the world's most expansive ranking of adults by their fluency in English. This year's index...

Deputy PM Wants Increased Focus on the Rights of Adolescent Girls

The Deputy Prime Minister called for relevant departments to increase their focus on advancing the rights of adolescent girls at a recent meeting. Deputy Prime...

Lao Children Raise their Voice for Climate Justice

From 6-18 November, world leaders have gathered in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, for the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP27. This edition marks...

American Secret War Veteran Works Toward a Better Future for Laos

Col. Mike Burton makes his first visit back to Laos nearly 50 years after he was deployed to serve in the American Secret War,...