COVID-19 To Impact Lao PDR Growth, Debt In 2020: World Bank Report
Between 96,000 and 214,000 additional people are estimated to fall into poverty as a result of the pandemic, jeopardizing past gains.
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Finance – Banking – Money
Gradual Reopening Of Int’l Borders
39 days no infections prompts gradual reopening of int’l borders
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Little Laos Teeters Towards Big Debt Crisis
Laos will be hard-pressed to meet its external debt obligations
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Lao Economy Needs Cash Injection
The government needs to speed up the provision of the loans it has approved as this is one of the best ways to help Lao businesses survive amid the Covid-19 pandemic
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Unemployment Spirals Due To Covid-19 Outbreak
The perennial challenge of unemployment in Laos has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 outbreak as large numbers of people have been laid off from their jobs.
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Fitch Revises Laos’ Outlook to Negative, Affirms Rating at ‘B-‘
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Laos’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B-‘ and revised the Outlook to Negative from Stable.
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Laos Extends Flight Ban
The ban on flights to Laos continues with no end date in sight as far as government announcements go
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Laos’ Exports Drop Further Amid COVID-19 Crisis
The value of Laos’ exports this year have dropped from US$410 million in January to US$209 million in April because of the impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic.
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Shopping Centres Reopen To Public
Many large shopping centres have resumed operations after being temporarily closed in line with the government’s orders to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
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Businesses Must Implement Virus Measures To Prevent New Outbreaks
Enterprises operating during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic must strictly implement precautionary measures to avert further outbreaks of the virus, authorities have advised.
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Government Introduces Three-Step Business Start-Up Process
The government has introduced the three-step Business Start-up process for registration of enterprises that will facilitate entrepreneurs, and reduce time and unnecessary costs.
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Work Completed On Laos’ Third Longest Tunnel For Railway Link With China
Work on the country’s third longest tunnel at Namor district in Oudomxay province, which is part of the Laos-China Railway Project and has a length of 9020 metres, has been completed.
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Ministry Says Parents Of Students In Private Schools Must Pay 50 Percent Of Fees
Private schools must pay 50 percent of the salaries of teachers, while parents must pay 50 percent of the fees for students for the month of April.
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PM Extends Restrictions For Virus Control, Some Eased To Minimise Economic Impact
The prime minister told the cabinet to remain tough in enforcing his Order No. 6 which imposes tougher prevention and control measures, and measures imposed by the relevant authorities.
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Factories, Businesses To Operate Amid Lockdown
Factories and businesses at the heart of the Lao economy will be able to resume their operations amid the extended lockdown ordered by the Prime Minister to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Lao Tourism Income To Decline At Least US$350 Million In 2020
Laos is expecting tourism revenues to fall by at least US$350 million (3,111 billion kip) this year with the sector to cut 2 percent off the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).
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Thailand Warns Food Delivery Apps For Overcharging Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Thailand’s anti-monopoly watchdog warned food delivery platforms they could face fines for charging higher commissions
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Trade Deficit Spikes In March
Laos recorded a trade deficit of US$118 million in March, which was higher than the figures for January and February.
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Nearly 300 Lao Workers Strike Over Unpaid Wages at Chinese Garment Factory
Hundreds of workers staged a protest last week at a Chinese garment factory in the Lao capital, saying the firm did not pay their wages for March and ignored government orders to close the factory to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Investors Call The Government Considers Import And Export Goods Via Local Checkpoints
Businesses engaged in foreign trade have asked the government to allow imports and exports via local and traditional border checkpoints
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Need Support? We Are Still Here For You!
As all J&C teams have switched to “home office”, we assure you that J&C Group continues to support you, your family, and/or your company.
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Lao Economic Growth Shrinks Amid Drop in Production, Spending
Economic growth in Laos has slowed as production and consumer spending drop amid fears of a spread of the coronavirus, with growth expected to shrink by about 50 percent
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Lao PM Announces Tax Break
Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith just announced the following tax measures to reduce the impact from COVID19 on SME’s
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Lockdown ! Govt Toughens Virus Prevention Measures
The government yesterday announced to close all international checkpoints and prohibit public movement for non-essential activities for almost three weeks to control the coronavirus pandemic as fears of outbreak escalate.
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Tax Update: Postponement Of The Filing Due Date of Financial Statements for 2019
The filing due date of the financial statements for 2019 is postponed to 30 April 2020
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Finance Ministry Warns Motorists To Pay 2020 Road Tax
The Ministry of Finance issued a notice last week reminding vehicle owners to pay the road tax by the end of this month, or face a fine.
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Laos Adopts Stimulus Package To Minimise Virus Economic Impact
The Lao government has adopted in principle an economic stimulus package to minimise the impact caused by the ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Thai Economic Outlook Among Asia’s Weakest
Thailand is preparing to restrict some aspects of daily life after the country’s biggest spike in coronavirus cases, further damaging one of Asia’s weakest economic outlooks.
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Tesco Sells Businesses in Thailand, Malaysia for US$10.6b
Tesco, Britain’s biggest retailer, is selling its businesses in Thailand and Malaysia to Thailand’s CP Group entities for an enterprise value of US$10.6bil.
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Covid-19: Major Thai Bank Stops Exchanging Foreign Money
Kasikorn, one of Thailand’s largest banks, has announced they have shut all their in branch and foreign exchange booths immediately.
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Laos To Increase Domestic Distribution Of Electricity
Coverage by the national power grid is still limited due to a lack of funding for power grid development
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Idle Factories, Empty Trade Zone Highlight Coronavirus Impact on Southeast Asia
China-dependent countries feel fallout in tourism, manufacturing, and exports.
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Chinese Allegedly Run Illegal Car Rental and Taxi Businesses in Laos
Chinese entrepreneurs in Laos’ capital Vientiane are allegedly importing vehicles from China illegally for car rental and taxi businesses, much to the ire of their Lao competitors
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Value Of Imports Dips, Trade Deficit Plummets In Laos
The top five categories of imported goods were construction equipment, fuel and gas, items used in industry, electronic products, vehicle parts, and food.
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Laos Growth Resilient Despite Economic Headwinds
Despite a new set of challenges like the long dry season, Covid-19 outbreak, and US-China trade war, Laos looks set to enjoy stable growth of at least 6 per cent, possibly 6.3-6.4 per cent.
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J&C Insurance Awarded “Agent Of The Year” by APA Insurance
The award was presented by Mr. Dean Robertson, CEO of APA Insurance, in recognition of J&C Insurance’s distinguished service and achieving the highest of standards in all areas of agency growth, customer service, and good business practices.
Read moreRoad Tax 2020 Reminder
Vehicle owners are urged to pay the 2020 Road Tax or face a penalty. The Ministry of Finance issued a
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Pay Road Tax Or Get Stopped At The Border
Vehicle owners who have not paid road tax will not be permitted to cross the border into other countries
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Work On Vientiane Expressway No. 1 Project Begins
Construction of the mega Vientiane Expressway No. 1 officially began yesterday, with the project aiming to ease traffic congestion and respond to economic growth in the Lao capital.
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J&C Group Inaugurates Additional Office Space
With these new offices now-up-and-running, we invite our clients to come and visit us at anytime. The team would be happy to host you and discuss any needs that you may have.
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Lao Vehicle Imports, Exports To Be Processed Using Single Customs Window
All vehicle imports and exports will have to be recorded under the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) system at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge checkpoint starting on March 1.
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How’s the Real Estate Market These Days?
How’s the Real Estate Market These Days?
This must be the most common question real estate agents get when meeting people.
Lao Service Sector To Lose US$ Millions From Coronavirus Fallout: Economist
Laos stands to lose US$250 million to US$300 million in first-quarter revenue from the service sector, including tourism, due to fallout from the coronavirus outbreak
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Water Treatment Extension Plant To Boost Supply In Vientiane
The Dongbang water treatment extension plant is to be built in Xaythany district, Vientiane with aid from Hungary
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Lao Macroeconomic Growth Projected At 6.3 Percent In 2020
Lao’s macroeconomic growth is projected to improve moderately this year, with growth of 6.3 to 6.4 percent
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Laos Implements New Income Tax Rates
The new law provides better progressive rates for personal income tax and has lowered profit tax rates.
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BOL Launches QR Code Payment Standard
The Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) makes a soft launch of the Lao QR Code standard for payments
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PM Demands Faster Business Licence Approval
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith told his cabinet to take steps to expedite the approval of investment and business operation licences
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Laos To Open Pang Mon Border Checkpoint Feb 1
Laos will open the Pang Mon checkpoint in Sayaboury province opposite Thailand’s Ban Huak checkpoint in Phu Sang district
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Experts Recommend Policy, Technical Standards For Electric Vehicles In Laos
Experts met to make recommendations on policies and technical standards in the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs).
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Laos Faces Growing Inflation
Inflation continued to increase in December, sending a strong warning that serious action is needed to rein in the price of goods and services to prevent them rising further
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Laos Dairy Buffalo Challenge
In an extraordinary example of applied capacity building, Australian businesswoman Susie Martin is leading the way in helping one of South East Asia’s poorest countries set about improving its food production systems.
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Handing Over The Reins At J&C Insurance
This week, Mr. Stephan R. Aeschbach handed over the reins of J&C Insurance to Mr. Fabrice Decico.
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Laos Urged To Think Beyond Being A Land Bridge Country
The government must employ concrete measures to implement its policy on transformation of the country from landlocked to a land bridge,
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The New Face Of J&C
J&C Services will now be known as the J&C Group. Under this identity, we have several departments mainly Insurance, Marketing, Real Estate, and Investments, etc.
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China’s Central Bank Signs Currency Settlement Agreement With Laos
China and Laos have signed an agreement on bilateral monetary cooperation to enhance the use of local currencies in trade and investment,
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Power Usage In Laos Predicted To Soar To 1,800MW In 2020-25
The Ministry of Energy and Mines has predicted that the demand for electricity in Laos will increase to 1,800MW during the period 2020-2025,
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Laos Imposes New Regulations On Growing Vehicle Industry
The government has promulgated a new prime ministerial decree, which aims to more effectively administer the growing number of businesses involved in the import, sale and assembly of vehicles in Laos.
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Energy And Mines To Remain Key Boosters Of Lao Economy In 2020: Economist
The government should persist with its promotional policy for investment in the energy and mines sectors as they are key income earners for Laos’ economic growth
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J&C Relaunches Real Estate Services
J&C Group is excited to announce the relaunch of J&C Real Estate, with Casey A. Tolzman taking the role of director.
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Lao Customs Department Extend Use Of Modern Clearance System
The Customs Department will extend the use of an automated customs management system to other main customs checkpoints
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Drought, Dams Cause Mekong River In Laos To Turn Unhealthy Blue
A section of the Mekong river in Laos has changed color from muddy brown to blue—a warning sign indicating poor health in Southeast Asia’s most important waterway.
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J&C Insurance Continues Being Forte-Toko Assurance’s Largest & Most Successful Agent
J&C Insurance was presented with 3 awards, for being Forte-Toko Insurance’s largest & most successful agent in 2019 !
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Events in December by J&C Marketing
Marketing is the major reason why one product can be sold for 2 extremely different prices even though the cost
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Lao Banks Partner In Integrated Payment System
The Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL), the country’s central bank, on Monday officially launched the new joint venture Lao National Payment Network Co Ltd (LAPNet) in collaboration with seven major banks.
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Govt Proposes Amendment To Enterprise Bankruptcy Law
Source: Vientiane Times The government has asked the National Assembly to approve an amendment to the Law on Enterprise Bankruptcy,
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S. Korea To Support ‘Logistical Hub’ Campaign Of Laos
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Tuesday his country will help Laos achieve its goal of becoming a “transportation and logistical hub” in the region.
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Central Bank To Focus On Currency Management Amid Challenges
Laos’ central bank will tackle challenges to ensure the stability of the kip and prevent it weakening further against the Thai baht, and ensure the rate of inflation stays below 5 percent.
Read moreLaos Registers Trade Surplus In Q3
Laos has registered a trade surplus, although money transfers are below target.
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Laos’ PM Calls For Cooperation To Address Business Barriers
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has agreed with the concept of establishing a special taskforce committee, to address unresolved issues relating to the improvement of the business climate
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Lao Gov’t Gets Ready For Opening Of China-Laos Railway In 2021
The railway is currently about 70 percent complete and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2021.
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Onboarding New Marketing Clients
J&C Marketing is glad to welcome Phanthamit Analytical Lab, The Spirit House, and Davina Furniture as our new clients. We are delighted to work for them and help them strengthen their marketing efforts.
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Smart City Project Tops Agenda At Monthly Gov’t Meeting
A plan to create “smart” and “eco” cities in Luang Namtha, and Oudomxay provinces topped the agenda at the government’s monthly meeting
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Trump Supends 40 Billion Baht Worth of Duty Free Trade For Thailand
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday reinstated duty-free trade for certain items from Ukraine, but suspended it with Thailand.
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Baht To Further Strengthen, Expert Warns
The baht could further strengthen to Bt29 per dollar, a Kasikornbank analyst warned this week.
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Meet our clients: Marc Renault – SBL
In a conversation with Mr. Marc O. Renault, Partner and Managing Director, SBL, we asked him for his opinion about and experience with J&C Services
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Laos Needs Support For Transition Out Of LDC Status: UNCTAD
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) will encourage development partners to maintain their assistance to Laos for a while after the nation graduates from Least Developed Country status.
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J&C Services To Provide Health Insurance For Vientiane College
J&C Services is proud to be the new insurance provider for Vientiane College (VC) academic staff.
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Thailand Turns To China For High-speed Rail Boost
China has become a major player in the railway industry and, as a result, many countries — including Thailand — are working with China to develop their own high-speed rail networks.
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Laos Plans To Begin Work On Laos-Vietnam Railway in 2021
On behalf of the Lao Government, the Ministry of Planning and Investment and PetroTrade signed a memorandum of understanding on October 15 to study and complete a detailed design of the railway.
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J&C’s Marketing Over Coffee, October edition
J&C’s “Marketing Over Coffee” is back with its October edition “Brand Health: How is your Brand doing?”
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Cambodia’s “Reckless” Microfinance Industry Puts Economy At Risk
Cambodia’s $8 billion microfinance industry, touted by Western aid groups and foreign investors as bringing financial opportunities to the country’s poor, is ensnaring families in crushing debt and could threaten the country’s economy
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Central Bank To Circulate 2015 Version Of 500 Kip Note
The Bank of the Lao PDR has announced that it will issue a 2015 version of the 500 kip banknote. It is giving advance notice of the circulation of the new banknote in a bid to prevent doubts about the validity of the currency.
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ADB Outlook Expects Moderate Lao Economic Growth
Lao economic growth will remain moderate in 2019 and 2020, as expansion in the industry and services sectors softened in the first half of 2019 due to fewer international visitor arrivals
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UNDP Launches Accelerator Lab
UNDP’s vehicle for fast-tracking development solutions harvests local expertise, identifies grassroots innovations and taps into a global network
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Gardening & Home Maintenance Services in Vientiane
Gardening is a much-loved activity but unfortunately, due to our busy lifestyles, we don’t all have the time to beautify our outdoor spaces. The same goes when repair works in and around the home are needed.
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Welcome Aboard to our New Clients at J&C Marketing
J&C Marketing is delighted to welcome new clients NNC Pharma Co. Ltd., EV Lao, and Landmark DRC as an addition to our existing client portfolio. Here is what our customers do:
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Fund To Boost SME
The government has issued a prime ministerial decree to establish a Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Promotion Fund, hoping the intervention will boost business access to finance.
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J&C’s Marketing Over Coffee, September edition
J&C’s “Marketing Over Coffee” is back with its September edition “Using Customer Journey for a Better Marketing Strategy?”
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Cabinet Pushes For Effective Management Of Exchange Rates
The cabinet has named the management of currency exchange as one of its top priorities in the coming months, as the gap between the official and market exchange rates widens.
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Laos, Trying to Build Its Way to an Economic Boom, Could Be Sunk by Debt
Is Laos on the edge of an economic boom, or a bust?
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Bando Densen of Japan Expands Cable Production To Laos Amid U.S.-China Row
Source: Japan Times Electric wire maker Bando Densen Co. has set up a cable plant in Laos as part of
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Laos’ Economic Prospects Remain Bright: IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is predicting a favourable outlook for Laos’ economic growth in the upcoming years despite the present difficulties.
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World Bank Urges Laos To Let Kip Follow Market
Source: Vientiane Times The World Bank has recommended that Laos let its currency follow the market as other nations cut
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Lao Central Bank Advised To Strictly Regulate Money Changers
The Bank of the Lao PDR (BoL) should not merely issue warnings to money changers who break the currency regulation rules
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World Could See Many Water Conflicts In Coming Years
If climate change trends continue and if population continues to increase, water conflicts will probably be an aspect of our future.
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Govt To Issue Bonds To Tackle Fiscal Deficit
The Lao government will try to sell more domestic bonds in the local currency in an attempt to address the fiscal deficit and strengthen the national capital market.
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Marketing Over Coffee With J&C, Part 2
J&C’s “Marketing Over Coffee” is back with its August edition “Is Your Business Communicating effectively through its Marketing?”.
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Myanmar And Lao To Get Infrastructure Boost
Myanmar and Lao PDR look to be the biggest winners of an ASEAN plan to boost connectivity with a series of infrastructure projects.
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J&C Services To Provide Health Insurance For Panyathip International School
J&C Services is proud to be the new insurance provider for all Expat teaching staff at Panyathip International School (PIS). We are thankful for the confidence PIS has placed in our services.
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J&C Services Winning The Insurance Asia Awards 2019
The Insurance Asia Awards honours the companies that rise above the challenges and to recognise their initiatives. J&C Services Sole Co. Ltd was awarded the Domestic Broker of the Year – Laos, being the only company from Laos.
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Bank Lending Slows Amid Economic Downturn
The injection of bank credit into the economy continues to slow despite government measures to improve the investment climate for the private sector.
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Examining Online Fraud In Southeast Asia
Online fraud is especially problematic in Southeast Asia, where there is a sharp contrast in ecommerce development between different countries in the region.
Read moreInflation Spikes In Laos
Laos has steadily faced a higher Inflation rate over the past five months after being pressed by several economic factors.
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Kip Weaker Against Thai Baht, US Dollar
There is growing concern about the strengthening of the Thai baht and US dollar against the Lao kip.
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Ministry To Coordinate Setting Up Of Model Restaurants
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce plans to establish model restaurants in the Lao capital of Vientiane that will serve single dishes at prices set by the authorities.
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Marketing Over Coffee With J&C
It takes only a cup of coffee to define your marketing solutions
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LDB Partners Everex To Facilitate Blockchain-Based Cross Border Payments
Lao Development Bank (LDB) and Singapore-headquartered blockchain-based fintech Everex have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the initiative.
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Dramatic Upturn In Business Environment Expected: PM
The business environment is expected to improve dramatically in the coming years as the government intensifies action to better facilitate business
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China-Laos Railway Marred By Compensation Issues And Pollution
The new China-Laos railway is spanning the Mekong River and drilling through mountains. So far, many local Laotians are seeing more trouble than benefits from the project.
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1,285 People Involved In Corruption With 999 billion Kip Lost
Some 1,285 people have been found to be involved in corrupt practices, defrauding the government of 999 billion kip
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Lao Trade Figures Struggle To Reach Target
Laos’ combined exports and imports for this year are struggling to achieve the target
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Laos Can ‘Manage’ Debt To China, PM Insists
PM Thongloun pushes back against warnings over infrastructure burden
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Ministry Aiming For Lower Electricity Prices
The energy and mining sector is trying to cut electricity prices so that power is affordable for local residents and businesses.
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9th Annual Vientiane Career & Education Fair June 22 & 23 at Don Chan Palace
The Annual Vientiane Career & Education Fair is organized by volunteer staff members and students from Lao-American College and AIESEC.
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J&C Services To Provide Health Insurance For PACTEC
J&C Services is proud to be the new health insurance provider for all local staff of PACTEC Laos.
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Private Sector Hopes For Easier Business Operation Through Int’l Evaluation
The private sector in Laos is optimistic that trade and investment will be made easier by the public sector following the application of international evaluation standards.
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Visitor Numbers From High-end, Target Countries Plummet
The number of visitors to Laos from high-end and target countries declined significantly in the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2018, a recent report reveals.
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J&C Services Signs Strategic Partnership Agreement With APA Insurance
The agreement was signed by the APA CEO, Mr Dominick Williams, and founder and CEO of J&C, Mr Stephan Aeschbach, on Friday in Vientiane.
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Laos ‘Disciplines’ Hundreds of Corrupt Officials in Recent Months, Jails Few
The Lao government has disciplined more than 200 officials involved in taking bribes or embezzlement in recent months as part of a bid to crackdown on rampant corruption in the Southeast Asian nation, but few have been held criminally accountable for their actions.
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Telecom Operators Eye Potential Of 5G Network
The Department of Radio Frequency under the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications continued discussions on a roll-out of the 5G network in Laos with internet service providers yesterday.
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Ministry Calls For End To Alcohol Advertising
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism issued a notice last week banning the advertising of alcoholic beverages and activities that promote the consumption of alcoholic drinks.
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Thailand Resisting Falling Into Rail Debt Trap
Despite Thailand’s vow to rely on domestic funding as it expands its network of high-speed railways, it could soon accept the offer of a low-interest loan from the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM), raising concerns about whether the country is on the verge of falling into a debt trap.
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Lao Banks Join Hands To Boost Payment System
Seven major banks in Laos signed a memorandum of understanding on April 22 to establish the Lao National Payment Network (LAPNet) company for a faster, reliable and more convenient payment system.
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J&C Services To Provide Health Insurance For ISL
J&C Services is proud to be the new insurance provider for all teaching staff at International School of Laos (ISL). We are thankful for the confidence ISL has placed in our services.
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Laos’ Trash Problem Is An Ecological Time Bomb
In Laos, newly-empowered consumers are basking in the benefits of the polymer industry without knowing the consequences of their consumption on marine ecosystems.
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MaxMara Allegedly Stole Designs From A Laotian Community For These Pricey Dresses
A group in Laos says designer MaxMara ripped off designs from a local ethnic group with zero compensation or acknowledgment.
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Laos’ Eonomic Growth Outlook Stable For 2019, 2020
Economic growth in Laos is expected to remain stable this year and next, supported by the expanding agriculture, energy, industry and services sectors, says a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) report.
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Lao Inspection Reveals 1,002 Cases of Corruption in 2018
As many as 1,225 state investment projects have been implemented unlawfully over the past years, the Government Inspection Authority (GIA) reported this week.
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China’s US$7 Billion Railway Link To Laos Is Almost Half Done, On Schedule To Begin Service In 2021
The 414km railway from Yunnan’s provincial capital of Kunming to the Laotian capital of Vientiane would cut travelling time to three hours, from three days
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Lao Government Considers Tax To Protect Environment
Industries that produce pollution may have to pay more taxes now that the Lao government has embraced the National Green Growth Strategy.
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Lao Banking Industry Updated On Financial Regulations
Source: Vientiane Times The Lao banking sector is working to improve regulations and update preparations for implementing the Basel II
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Lao Government Slaps Wrists of 7 Vientiane Officials for Public Project Fraud
Source: RFA Seven high-ranking current or formal officials in Laos’ Vientiane province have been warned and publicly identified for their
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PM’s visit: Germany Pledges To Help Laos Banish Poverty
Source: Vientiane Times Germany has pledged to increase assistance to Laos for the development of agriculture and the processing industry,
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Laos Expected To Benefit From US-China Trade War
Laos is one of the Southeast Asian nations that may benefit from the ongoing trade dispute between the US and China, but the government should also take steps to improve the investment environment.
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Lao Vehicle Market Forecast To Grow This Year
The vehicle market in Laos is likely to accelerate in 2019 as the government has improved its trade promotion policy and car manufacturers are offering incentives to boost sales.
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J&C Services Awarded Excellent Agent
During its annual agent celebration at Muong Thanh Luxury Hotel, Lanexang Assurance awarded J&C Services for our exceptional performance in 2018.
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Governmental Decree Stipulates Safe & Healthy Workplaces
Workers have the legal right to require their employers to ensure occupational health and safety, a new governmental decree stipulates.
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Pay Road Tax 2019 Or Face A Big Fine
Large fines meted out by authorities on slow paying vehicle owners are forcing more to pay their road tax on time and helping to fill the government’s coffers
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Inactive Investors To Lose Land Concession Licences
The government has given the green light for state agencies to revoke land concession licences held by investors who fail to develop state land in accordance with agreements.
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Laos Seeks To Become Electricity Transmitter
AOS is developing a strategic plan to become the network centre for a regional electricity transmission system by 2025.
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Laos Eliminates Tariffs On Most Asean Goods
LAO authorities have reduced import tariffs on 8,536 items to zero as part of national efforts in establishing the Asean Free Trade Area, according to a government report.
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Pakxong Strawberry Farm Has Tasty Treats In Store
Pakxong district in Champassak is one of the few places in Laos that has a temperate climate. The relatively high altitude means the area is suitable for growing a wide range of crops that thrive in cooler weather.
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Australia Approves AUD4.5 Million For Business, Trade Improvement
Laos is now actively working to improve the business environment and facilitate trade as part of supporting the government’s policy to improve the ease of doing business.
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Central Bank Urged To Stabilise The KIP
The Bank of the Lao PDR must introduce more concrete measures to keep the value of the kip stable, otherwise the country will face a big challenge in keeping the cost of living at an acceptable level
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Hairdressing Jobs Earmarked For Lao Citizens Only
The government insists that jobs relating to hair styling for men and women will remain the preserve of Lao nationals as designated by law, despite the many establishments currently being operated by foreign nationals.
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Which Is The Best Country To Start A Business In Asia?
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Bangladesh are the lowest ranked Asian countries in the ease of doing business report
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Laos’ First Ever Specialized Real Estate Investment Show Launches This 1st & 2nd March!
Laorealestate.la, in partnership with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and Laos’ leading online marketplace, www.yula.la, is excited to announce it will be hosting the country’s first real estate investment expo at Don Chan Palace Hotel on Friday & Saturday, the 1st and 2nd of March, 2019.
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New Amended Law On VAT
The key important points to note from the Amended Law on VAT are summarized in this alert.
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Pay The Minimum Wage Or Face Legal Action, Employers Told
Employers in Laos will be subject to legal action if authorities discover they are failing to pay their workers the minimum wage.
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Garment Industry In Laos Continues To Face Challenges
Shortage of skilled labour is chronic, resulting in the reduction of garment exports
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Govt Announces List Of Controlled Businesses
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has approved a list of businesses that are subject to government control, while also stating that types of business not on the list would find it easier to operate.
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Party Adopts Nine Urgent Measures To Drive Economy
The Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party recently adopted core and urgent measures to drive the macro economy which is currently encountering some difficulties.
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Laos’ Garment Industry Faces Severe Labor Shortage
Garment factories in Laos are experiencing labor shortages as workers are looking to Thailand for greener pastures, sources say.
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App-facilitated Land Tax Payment Service Launched
The Department of Tax has launched a system that ensures land tax payment is bank-based, safe, and fast.
Read moreLaos Expects More Private Investment In 2019
The Lao government expects domestic and foreign private investment to climb to 23,086 billion kip (over 2.72 million U.S. dollars) in 2019
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Scoot Launches New Laos Route From Perth
Fly from Perth, via Singapore, to Luang Prabang and Vientiane from $189 each way.
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Govt Places Focus On Tackling Business Constraints
Improving the investment climate, and building a state governed by the rule of law will be the main focus of government activities in the first month of 2019.
Read moreCorruption Still Rife in Laos Despite Continued Crackdown Efforts
The government of Laos says it has been ramping up its efforts to battle corruption over the past two years, but NGOs say that the situation in Laos is getting worse.
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Laos not fully benefiting from regional economic integration: think tank
Laos has not fully benefited from the recent regional economic integration as its share of trade with ASEAN nations has declined, according to the National Institute for Economic Research (NIER), a Lao think tank.
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Electronic Signature Law Will Boost E-Commerce
The government has told the National Assembly (NA) that Laos needs to have an electronic signature law in place to boost E-commerce and facilitate E-governance.
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Inequality Exposed: Thailand
The economy expert Banyong Pongpanich was studying recent statistics last week when he made an interesting discovery.
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Private Investment Remains Strong In Laos (Government Report)
Private investment prospects in Laos remain robust despite the nation’s drop in ranking on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, according to a government report.
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Villagers Warned Not To Swim In River Near Vientiane
Chemicals released into a river by a Chinese-owned banana farm near the Lao capital Vientiane killed over 300 kg of fish in November, prompting warnings by authorities to local villagers not to bathe or fish in the polluted stream, sources in the country say.
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Chinese-Owned Cement Factories Pollute Lao Villages
Two Chinese-owned cement factories in the Vang Vieng district of Laos’ Vientiane Province are covering approximately 900 local families in at least four villages with dust and smog, threatening their health, local sources say.
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Laos Jails ‘Pyramid Scheme’ Company Owners For 15 Years
A court in the Lao capital Vientiane today handed 15-year prison terms to the owners of a company accused last year of defrauding investors of thousands of U.S. dollars in personal savings, a Lao source says.
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SMES To Be Subject To VAT
Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Laos must prepare for a new challenge when the government enforces the Law on Value Added Tax (VAT) next year.
Read moreGovt Sets Measures To Boost Foreign Reserves
The government is planning to purchase foreign currencies from various sectors as part of measures to boost foreign reserves, according to a government leader.
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Lao Companies Enjoy Success At Asean Business Awards
The 12th Asean Business Awards (ABA) Gala Dinner took place on the night of November 12 last week, shining a spotlight on some of the many successful enterprises from a variety of industry sectors from across the region.
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Online System Boosts Road Tax Revenue
The revenue earned from taxes has increased massively since the government introduced an online payment system.
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China Pushes Free-Trade Zone in Mekong Region with Thailand, Laos
The free trade zone will also be a way for Thailand and the Mekong countries to profit from China’s flagship Belt and Road initiative.
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Collapsed Lao Dam ‘Was Built On A Sinkhole’
That is the claim of a Stanford University engineering expert who has scientifically analyzed the site of the disaster that likely killed hundreds of Lao villagers
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China Starts Exporting Petroleum To Laos
With over 64 ton diesel, handed over from PetroChina to a Lao company at Laos-China border, the first export of Chinese refined oil to Lao market was made on Wednesday.
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PM Urges Central Bank To Facilitate Access To Finance
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has urged the Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL), the nation’s central bank, to pay serious attention to implementing Order No. 02/PM on improving the climate for doing business.
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Asia, Europe Should Cement Cooperation To Narrow Development Gap: Laos
Asia and Europe should strengthen cooperation to narrow the development gap that remains wide, Laos has told the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem12) in Brussels, Belgium.
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Did Korean Builder’s Corner-Cutting Lead To Lao Dam Disaster?
South Korean lawmaker and liberal newspaper allege that SK E&C altered original plans to maximize profits
Read moreInflation Rate Climbs Above 3 Percent
The Lao inflation rate continued to increase above 3 percent in September despite the government introducing a number of measures to control the price of goods in local markets.
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China’s Belt and Road Hits Bumps in Laos
Chinese economic development strategies need fine-tuning
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Maybank Foundation Expands Silk Weaving Centre In Laos
Maybank Foundation has expanded its Maybank Women Eco-Weavers centre in Laos with the addition of a hostel for the women who are being trained in this traditional skill.
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Heat And Drought Could Threaten World Beer Supply
A new study says a warming globe will be bad news for barley, an essential ingredient in the world’s most popular alcoholic beverage.
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Lao Airlines Service Set For Take-Off As Flag Carrier Shifts Focus
Lao Airlines has shifted its primary focus from searching for a business partner to improving service in a bid to make the national flag carrier more competitive
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Provincial SME’s Need Regulatory Burden Relief, Swifter Tax Registration
Authorities need to reduce the regulatory burden or “red tape” that businesses face in conducting their activities due to rules and regulations so that their compliance costs can be cut to increase their efficiency.
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Lao Tax: Everyone Who Travels Pays
Sources at the friendship bridge said there were no exceptions and the tax applied to all foreigners regardless of their travel documents, include foreigners who are resident in Laos.
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Improved Business Environment To Support Sustainable Growth In Lao PDR
Lao firms and households are expected to benefit from a new US$13-million project, which will promote reforms to the business environment, for instance reducing the number of days needed to start a business.
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Laos Slaps A Dollar Tax On Tourists
Almost forgotten but on the brew for years the much talked about tourist tax was quietly introduced at all of Lao PDR’s border checkpoints 1 October.
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New Lao Airlines Chief Navigates Flag Carrier Toward Future
Lao Airlines welcomed a significant leadership change yesterday that comes as the government moves to transform the state-owned enterprise into a more efficient and competitive one.
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Vientiane Airport: International Expansion As China Tourism Booms
Vientiane Airport has doubled the size of its international terminal, supporting a Laotian initiative to boost tourism. Laos expects Vientiane’s international passenger traffic to double over the next five years, driven by a rapid increase in visitor numbers.
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First UK English Language School Opens In Vientiane
Panyathip International School has partnered with the Wimbledon School of English, a British English language school, to officially open the Panyathip Education Centre in Vientiane.
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J&C Celebrates A Decade Of Success
Wednesday Night, J&C Services Celebrated our 10th anniversary surrounded by over 150 guests on the grounds of the J&C office compound. We are exceptionally proud of the services we have been offering expatriates in Laos for the past decade.
J&C Services is a fast growing business continuously searching for better and more unique products for our clients. At the beginning of this year, we expanded our activities to include a marketing department.
New Internet Service Provider To Expand Network
Internet users will have a wider choice of service options when the Lao Asia Pacific Satellite Co., Ltd. rolls out 4G wireless throughout the country early next year.
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Laos Continues To Be Target For Money Laundering
Laos continues to face a high risk of money laundering despite the country graduating from the “grey list” of the Financial Action Task Force last year, according to the National Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment (NRA).
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PM Orders Top Officials To Ramp Up Economic Growth
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has ordered ministers, the Vientiane mayor and provincial governors to implement eight measures to stimulate economic growth.
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Chinese Tourist ‘Invasion’ Feared As High-Speed Laos-China Railway Will Boost Visitor Numbers Dramatically
Trepidation about a huge influx of Chinese tourists into the small Southeast Asian country – with a population of just 6.8 million – was heightened last year when construction was started on the high-speed Laos-China Railway.
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Laos Announces Adoption Of New Asean Tariff Code
The Ministry of Finance in Laos has announced it has adopted a new Asean tariff code, giving a signal that Laos is ready to become part of the single regional market of 600 million consumers.
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Govt Seeks To Plug Financial Leaks, Loopholes
All loopholes that could result in financial leaks must be plugged in order to ramp up national revenue, Deputy Prime Minister Somdy Duangdy told finance officials recently.
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Thai Banks ‘Prepared’ Amid Warning Of Global ATM Attack
Commercial banks in Thailand have boosted security to prevent unauthorised access to their automatic teller machines as cybercriminals are reportedly planning to carry out a large-scale global ATM attack.
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The ‘Battery of Asia’ Could Face A Short-Circuit
Shaken by a deadly dam collapse, Laos needs to reconsider its long-term strategy
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Laos’ Main Airport Got Huge Expansion
The international terminal of the airport serving the Laotian capital of Vientiane, Wattay International Airport, can now accommodate as many as 2.3 million foreign travelers a year, roughly nine times the original terminal’s capacity.
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Excise Tax On Internet Use A Barrier, Business Insists
Members of the Lao business sector have recently called for the government to abolish a 10 percent excise tax on internet usage, claiming that Laos remains the only country in Asean to impose the charge.
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Lao Fuel Price Double World Market Average
The average fuel price in Laos is more than double than the global price
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