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 Targets 6 Percent Economic Growth in 2026 Amid Reforms, Election Preparations

The Lao government has set a target of at least six percent economic growth in 2026, supported by fiscal reforms, major infrastructure projects, and...

Asia Development Bank Backs Urban Planning for Resilient and Sustainable Cities in Laos

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 700,000 grant to support feasibility studies and project preparation for more resilient and sustainable urban...

Laos Targets Upper-Middle-Income Status by 2055

Laos has set a long-term goal to become an upper-middle-income country and move closer to high-income status by 2055, according to a strategic roadmap...

Vientiane’s Wat Tay Canal Could Become Floating Night Market Under New City Proposal

Vientiane is considering a proposed floating night market project along the Wat Tay canal in Sikhottabong district to boost tourism and the nighttime economy. Following...

Laos’ Inflation Reaches 5.6 Percent in December 2025, Utilities Drive Price Pressures

Laos’ inflation rate stood at 5.6 percent in the last month of 2025, reflecting continued price pressures driven mainly by higher electricity, water, and...

Attapeu Reports Major Poverty Reduction, 29,289 Families Lifted

Attapeu Province has lifted 29,289 families out of poverty, according to Chairman of the Attapeu Provincial Administrative Committee Tanuxay Chandanalith, who presented the update...