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...

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,...

Government Expresses Concern Over Rapid Urban Development

The government has utilized international funding of around USD 300 million to support systematic urban planning and development for the last 15 years. Minister of...