Socio-Economic Development

Lao Scholar Draws on History to Explore What Makes a Country ‘Great’

In many Lao communities, temples are among the cleanest places around. People sweep the grounds, tend to the gardens, and take care of the buildings. There is a shared understanding that these places are sacred, belong to everyone, and that caring for them is a collective responsibility. But why doesn't...

Laos Links South Korea Work Visas to Overstay Rates as Program Expands

Laos will suspend access to South Korea’s seasonal work program for 3 years if...

More Lao Citizens Live Abroad as Foreign Population Nearly Doubles

The number of foreign nationals living in Laos has nearly doubled over the past...

Laos’ Population Growth Slows as Birth Rates Fall, 2025 Census Finds

Laos’ population is growing more slowly, with birth rates falling and the population getting...

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...

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...