The inflation rate in the Lao People's Democratic Republic declined to 7.4 percent in June, marking a notable decrease from the 9 percent recorded in the previous month. This shift reflects ongoing economic adjustments within the country as authorities work to stabilize the national economy.
Lao Government Reviews Draft National Agenda for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation
Lao authorities have convened to review the draft National Agenda for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation. The meeting focused on refining strategies to address economic disparities and improve living standards in rural areas, aligning with the country's broader socio-economic development goals to reduce poverty and promote sustainable growth across the nation.
ASEAN and China Strengthen Cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation in Vientiane
Delegates from ASEAN member states and China convened in Vientiane, Laos, to bolster regional collaboration in science, technology, and innovation. The meeting focused on advancing sustainable development, digital transformation, and human resource capacity building to address shared regional challenges through enhanced technological partnerships.
The inflation rate in the Lao People's Democratic Republic declined to 7.4 percent in June, marking a notable decrease from the 9 percent recorded in the previous month. This shift reflects ongoing efforts by authorities to stabilize the national economy amidst persistent challenges.
Laos Implements New Digital Customs System at Thanaleng Dry Port
The Lao Ministry of Finance has officially launched a centralized digital customs system at the Thanaleng Dry Port. This initiative aims to modernize trade procedures, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen revenue collection processes within the Lao People's Democratic Republic's logistics sector.
Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith Conducts State Visit to China to Bolster Bilateral Ties
Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith has arrived in China for a high-level state visit aimed at deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. The visit focuses on enhancing economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and political alignment, reinforcing the long-standing diplomatic relations between Laos and China.
Five Villagers Rescued from Flooded Cave in Laos; Search Continues for Two
Five villagers have been rescued alive after being trapped for over a week in a flooded cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos. Rescue teams successfully located the group following a complex operation. Authorities are continuing search efforts for two remaining individuals who were part of the original group that entered the cave.
Twenty-Seven Moon Bears Rescued from Illegal Bile Farm in Laos
In a major animal welfare operation, 27 moon bears were rescued from an illegal bile extraction facility in Laos. The bears, which had been kept in captivity for the purpose of harvesting bile for traditional medicine, were transferred to a sanctuary to receive urgent medical care and rehabilitation by conservation organizations.
Laos Launches Nationwide Campaign to Boost Vocational Education and Labor Market Alignment
The Lao government has initiated a nationwide campaign to promote technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The program aims to bridge the gap between student skills and the evolving demands of the national labor market, encouraging more youth to pursue practical career paths to support economic development.
Laos Launches Nationwide Campaign to Boost Technical and Vocational Education
The Lao government has initiated a nationwide campaign to promote technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The program aims to bridge the gap between student skills and the evolving demands of the national labor market, encouraging more youth to pursue practical career paths to support economic development.
Laos Methanol Poisoning: $185 Fines for Hostel Staff Spark International Outrage
Parents of Australian methanol poisoning victims expressed shock over the AU$185 fines given to Laos hostel staff for destroying evidence related to the deaths of six tourists in November 2024. The incident at Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng claimed the lives of two Australians, two Danes, a US tourist, and a British national.
Laos Declares Road Safety a National Priority Amid Rising Accident Toll
The Lao government has designated road safety as a fundamental national priority, implementing a comprehensive strategy to curb the alarming rise in traffic accidents. Measures include enhanced enforcement, legal reforms, public awareness campaigns, and significant investment in infrastructure and technology to reduce fatalities and injuries.
ADB Approves $10 Million for Laos Forest Restoration and Rural Economic Diversification
The Asian Development Bank has approved a $10 million financing package for the Responsible Forestry Project Phase I in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. This initiative aims to combat forest degradation, enhance climate resilience, and improve livelihoods for forest-dependent communities, marking ADB's first forestry investment in Laos in a decade.
Laos Establishes Annual National Alcohol Prohibition Day on December 19
The Lao People's Democratic Republic has officially declared December 19 of every year as Alcoholic Beverages Prohibition Day. This move, announced on December 18, 2025, aims to strengthen the enforcement of the 2014 Law on Alcoholic Control, protect public health, and mitigate the social and economic harms associated with excessive alcohol consumption across the nation.
Laos Establishes December 19 as National Alcohol Prohibition Day
The Lao government has officially declared December 19 of every year as Alcoholic Beverages Prohibition Day, aiming to bolster public health and reduce alcohol-related harm. This nationwide ban on alcohol consumption reinforces the 2014 Law on Alcoholic Control, with enhanced enforcement measures set to begin in 2025.
Vientiane Unveils Comprehensive Tourism Development Strategy to Boost Economy
Vientiane authorities have outlined a new strategy to bolster the city's tourism sector, focusing on expanding accommodation capacity, enhancing infrastructure, and increasing income for local businesses. The plan, presented to the Vientiane People's Council, emphasizes sustainable tourism, technological integration, and the development of new attractions along the Mekong River and That Luang Lake.
Lao State Fuel Company to Transform into Public-Private Joint Venture
The Lao government is restructuring the Lao State Fuel Company (LSFC) into a public-private joint venture, aiming to retain a 51 percent majority stake. This reform, detailed on November 13, 2025, during the National Assembly's 10th Ordinary Session, seeks to boost efficiency and address financial challenges within the state-owned enterprise, aligning with broader government efforts to overhaul key SOEs and attract private investment.
Lao State Fuel Company to Become Public-Private Joint Venture Amid Broader SOE Reforms
The Lao government is restructuring the Lao State Fuel Company (LSFC) into a public-private joint venture, retaining a majority 51% stake. This move, part of a wider reform of state-owned enterprises, aims to boost efficiency and financial stability, as reported to the National Assembly on November 13.
Lao State Fuel Company to Become Public-Private Joint Venture Amid Broader SOE Reforms
The Lao government is restructuring the Lao State Fuel Company (LSFC) into a public-private joint venture, retaining a majority 51% stake. This move, announced during the National Assembly's 10th Ordinary Session on November 13, 2025, is part of a wider effort to enhance efficiency and address financial challenges across state-owned enterprises in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Lao Government Initiates Privatization of State Fuel Company in Major Reform Effort
The Lao government announced plans to restructure the Lao State Fuel Company into a public-private joint venture, retaining a 51% stake. This move, part of a broader state-owned enterprise reform, aims to boost efficiency and financial stability.