The Lao Green Business Forum 2025, held on October 24, 2025, in Vientiane, convened over 150 participants to establish a vision for the Lao People's Democratic Republic as a leading green business hub within ASEAN. Co-organized by XM Technovator and the Department of Forestry, the event highlighted sustainable enterprise, innovation, and policy alignment for a green economy.
The Lao government has adjusted household electricity rates, effective from the October 2025 billing cycle, and ended the free power program for low-usage consumers. This move, announced on September 23, 2025, includes a 0.7 US cents per kWh increase for Tier 1-3 households and follows earlier significant price hikes, sparking public concern.
The inaugural Lao National Youth Forum, themed 'Youth-Led Climate Smart Agriculture and Climate-Resilient Food Systems,' commenced in Vientiane on September 24, 2025, to empower young people in transforming food systems amidst climate change and population growth.
Laos is set to surpass its 2025 tourism target of 4.3 million international visitors, having recorded 3,061,928 arrivals in the first eight months of the year. This 15% increase from 2024 is fueled by relaxed entry regulations, enhanced infrastructure, and robust demand from key regional markets.
