Thailand Is Laos’ Largest Trading Partner, China And Vietnam Are Top Export Markets
Thailand is Laos’ largest trading partner but the country’s main export markets continue to be China and Vietnam.
Read more
Lao Economy
Covid Outbreak Posing Challenge To Poverty Reduction, Hunger
The rising number of Covid infections is hindering Laos’ efforts to battle poverty, with the country one of many in the world that are home to nearly 700 million malnourished people.
Read more
Number Of New Covid Cases Alarmingly High: Taskforce
The number of new locally-transmitted Covid cases recorded over the past five days remains high, especially in the provinces of Vientiane, Khammuan, Savannakhet and Luang Prabang.
Read more
Lao Flag Symbol Inspires Passenger Train Design For Laos-China Railway
The symbol of the Lao flag with its three colours has inspired the design of the first train that will run on the Laos-China Railway.
Read more
Motorists Grapple With Fuel Shortage In Vientiane
Motorists in Vientiane are struggling to find premium grade and regular fuel for their vehicles after some petrol stations ran out of supplies
Read more
Govt Pledges To Reduce Nation’s Debt By 2023
The government has vowed to reduce the total public and publicly guaranteed debt stock to 64.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the end of 2023.
Read more
What Does The Data Tell Us About Electricity Pricing In Laos?
Many Lao people feel they deserve lower prices because the country has built dozens of electricity-generating plants over the years. EDL officials, however, maintain that electricity is already cheap and that people should use it more economically.
Read more
Laos Targets 1 Percent Electric Vehicle Use By 2025
Laos is promoting the use of clean energy in the transport sector as part of measures to translate the government’s policy into an action plan until 2025, a strategy for 2030, and a vision for 2050.
Read more
Motorists Hit By Yet Another Fuel Price Hike
This mean that motorists in Vientiane and the provinces will pay extra for fuel this month. This follows several changes in retail prices recently.
Read more
PM Outlines Measures To Contain Covid Outbreak
As of September 6, Laos’ infection rate stood at about 0.37 percent of the population with the death rate at 0.0003 percent.
Read more
Price Of Construction Materials Surges, Labour Rates Dip
People hoping to build a house this coming dry season will have to think twice now that the price of many construction materials on sale in Vientiane has risen sharply.
Read more
Bureau Outlines Three Main Causes Of Inflation
The Lao Statistics Bureau has highlighted three main underlying causes of inflation, amid rising concerns over the ongoing health crisis and food security.
Read more
Laos Enlists Japan Startup For Study On Digital Currency
Laos will explore issuing its own digital currency with support from a Japanese financial technology startup that was involved in a similar effort by Cambodia
Read more
Party Hints At State Body Downsize
The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party has instructed state agencies to reorganise their body structure amid growing public demands for more effective and efficient delivery of public services.
Read more
Laos Extends Covid-19 Measures Till October 15
The Lao government has extended measures to counter the Covid-19 outbreak for another 15 days until October 15 as infections have continued to rise.
Read more
Most Stations On Laos-China Railway Now Complete
Most of the stations on the Laos-China Railway are now complete ahead of the planned opening of the railway in December.
Read more
PM Orders Re-Negotiation For Fair Benefits In Mining, Energy Projects
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh has told the Ministry of Energy and Mines to re-negotiate with the operators of hydropower and mining projects to ensure fair benefits from such projects
Read more
Vietnam Bids To Woo Cambodia, Laos From China
Recent meeting of Southeast Asian nations’ leaders underlined Hanoi’s push to restore strong ties with its old neighboring allies
Read more
Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway Under Study
The Lao and Vietnamese governments are considering the feasibility of building an expressway linking Vientiane to Hanoi, with assistance from the government of Japan.
Read more
Mitsubishi Invests In Laos Wind Farm Project, Biggest In Southeast Asia
Japanese trading house Mitsubishi Corp. has invested in a massive wind power plant project in Laos to deliver electricity to Vietnam, in what would be the biggest onshore wind farm in Southeast Asia.
Read more
Lao Economy Suffering Due To Covid-19 Outbreak
This year’s Covid-19 outbreak has deepened the impacts on Laos’ economy, resulting in business shutdowns, growing health concerns, and falling sales.
Read more
Vaccinations Continue Despite Lockdown
People are advised to go to any of these locations, which include Lao-ITECC, the Chinese temple in Dongpalaeb village, and hospitals in the capital’s nine districts.
Read more
Covid Cases In Vientiane Hit Daily High, Nationwide Total Exceeds 20,000
The new record of locally-transmitted cases in Vientiane was largely the result of outbreaks in garment factories which accounted for almost 90 percent of the cases in the capital
Read more
36 Tea Garden Wins Gold Award At World Tea Contest
The 36 Tea Garden in Pakxong district, Champassak province, has won first place in the category of Black Tea, winning a gold award at the World Tea Championship Competition.
Read more
Covid-19 Delays Economic Recovery In Laos: ADB
The unanticipated Covid-19 pandemic has delayed economic recovery in Laos, with consumption hit hard by the virus control measures implemented since April
Read more
Fuel Prices Set To Rise Again
Motorists across Laos will have to spend more on petrol as the Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued a notification on Wednesday increasing the prices of all types of fuel.
Read more
Covid-19 Approaches Large-Scale Community Outbreak: Health Minister
Outbreaks of Covid-19 in some parts of the country are approaching large-scale community transmission, technically known as Level III, Minister of Health Prof. Dr Bounfeng Phommalaysith has warned.
Read more
Authorities Reverse Decision On Shop Closures
Vientiane authorities have revised their decision on the closure of retail and wholesale outlets and will now allow shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets and minimarts to remain open.
Read more
City Authorities Impose Travel Restrictions As Lockdown Tightens
Police and security authorities are placing strict controls on travel and many roads in the capital are now blocked off following new restrictions imposed as a result of the latest lockdown.
Read more
Vientiane Orders Closure Of Non-Essential Goods Shops, Supermarkets
Vientiane authorities have ordered shops and markets that sell items that are not absolutely essential to close until September 30, as an additional measure to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.
Read more
Land, Air Travel Suspended To Comply With Covid Restrictions
Passengers on public transport, whether wanting to travel by road or air from or to Vientiane, will have to wait another 11 days after city authorities announced a lockdown on Sunday.
Read more
BOL Gives Update On Authorised Money Exchange Units
Some 419 money exchange units have become representatives of commercial banks and will operate under the authorisation of the bank, in an attempt to tackle the difference in currency exchange rates between banks and money-changing outlets.
Read more
Vientiane City Under Lockdown As Covid Cases Surge
Authorities have ordered a full lockdown of Vientiane following new clusters of locally-transmitted cases of Covid in several factories.
Read more
Laos Pushes Into Crypto As It Authorises Mining And Trading
Laos has authorised the mining and trading of cryptocurrencies, in a policy shift by the debt-laden south-east Asian nation that positions it to profit from the crackdown on digital currency mining in China.
Read more Covid-19 Control Measures Extended
The Lao government has extended Covid-19 prevention and control measures until September 30, expanding a night-time travel ban to provinces hit by a community outbreak.
Read more
Multiple-Entry Visas Offered To People Of Lao Descent Living Abroad
The government has promulgated a new regulation that offers multiple-entry visas with longer stays for people of Lao origin those who hold another crtizenship and are residents in other countries.
Read more
Authorities Fear Major Outbreak Of Delta Variant
Locally-transmitted cases of Covid-19 are on the rise in Vientiane and other provinces, sparking fears that this could cause a major community outbreak as most cases involve the highly contagious Delta variant.
Read more
Lao Startups Facing Challenges
Lao startups are facing challenges in their efforts to help strengthen the national economy, including a lack of legislation that supports their set up and administration, with little incentive from the government.
Read more
Health Chiefs Mull Third Dose Of Covid Vaccine
Health authorities say that a third dose of Covid-19 vaccine could be an option in the future, to further boost the body’s immune system against new Covid strains such as the Delta variant.
Read more
BOL Requires Currency Exchange Units To Partner With Commercial Banks
BOL issued a notice informing currency exchange units nationwide to register with commercial banks to ensure their operations are carried out under the authorisation of the banking system.
Read more
Chinese Investments In Laos Soar, But Little Wealth Is Spread
Not counted is the cost in damage to the country’s environment and Lao citizens’ loss of homes and livelihoods, experts say.
Read more
Covid Rule-Breakers Subject To Multimillion Kip Fines
Vientiane authorities will issue fines up to 10 million kip to entities who infringe the measures put in place to keep Covid-19 in check.
Read more
Widespread Outbreak Expected In Champassak As Delta Variant Reported
Champassak province is facing an outbreak of Covid-19 in Pathoumphon district, which is expected to be more severe than the first outbreak in Pakxe city because the new cases involve the Delta variant of the virus.
Read more
Laos Records Lowest Trade Deficit, US$24 Million In August
Laos registered a record low trade deficit of US$24 million in August compared to the previous records of the year, with the two-way trade value amounting to US$880 million
Read more
Opening Of New Office Building At J&C Group
Just after only 3 months of construction, the J&C Group teams were able to move into modern and bright offices. The new office building are designed to accommodate the various companies operating under the J&C Group umbrella.
Read more
World Bank To Support Land Administration, Titling In Lao PDR
Land holders across Lao PDR, including some of the most vulnerable households, are expected to benefit from improved land administration and titling thanks to a project approved by the World Bank this week.
Read more Economic Fallout From Covid Deepens: World Bank Survey
he economic fallout in Laos over the second quarter of this year as employment fell off sharply and households and businesses suffered declining income and revenue
Read more
More Than 4 Million People Vaccinated Against Covid
As of August 29, nationwide 2,420,333 people had received a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and 1,784,707 people had been given two doses.
Read more Covid-19 Measures Intensified In 15-day Extension
The government has extended Covid-19 prevention and control measures for another 15 days until September 15, with some measures being strengthened.
Read more
Vientiane Bans Night Travel, Closes Businesses And Schools As Virus Spreads
Vientiane authorities have introduced new restrictions, including a ban on night travel and closure of some businesses and schools, as the community outbreak of Covid-19 widens.
Read more
J&C Insurance Brokers Recognized At Insurance Asia Awards 2021 As Broker Of The Year – Laos
Insurance Asia honours the most exceptional companies putting out solutions and delivering outstanding value to its stakeholders as it awarded over 100 insurance companies from 24 countries at the sixth Insurance Asia Awards.
Read more
Laos Records Highest Trade Deficit Of US$99 Million In July
Laos registered a record trade deficit of US$99 million in July, with exports valued at US$374 million and imports at a US$473 million, comprising a total two-way trade value of US$847 million.
Read more
Covid-19 Measures Extended Until Sep 2
The government has extended Covid-19 prevention and control measures for another 15 days until September 2 with some measures intensified amid rising imported cases.
Read more Laos Records 440 New Covid Cases, 2 More Deaths
A total of 11,753 total cases of Covid-19 have now been recorded in Laos with the announcement on Friday of 440 new cases, while two more deaths from the virus were also reported.
Read more
Solidarity Canteen Fills Empty Stomachs In Luang Prabang
Last week, the organisation celebrated the provision of its 30,000th meal, a true milestone in its service to impoverished households around the town.
Read more
Laos-China Railway Announces 200 Jobs For Lao People
The company on Tuesday invited interested applicants to apply for the jobs concerning the maintenance of communication, engineering and power supply equipment on the railway.
Read more
Vientiane Closes Schools, Beefs Up Virus Control Measures
Vientiane authorities have ordered the closure of schools in the capital as part of the government’s measures to contain community outbreaks of Covid-19.
Read more
Govt Reveals Debt Payment Plan
Revenue earned from potential mining operations, revamped state enterprises and from other as yet untapped sources will be used to pay debts amounting to almost US$14 billion
Read more
Go Green! Go Electric
Go Green! And stay covered with the best EV motor insurance in Laos!
Read more
College Graduates in Laos Face Bleak Job Prospects Amid Pandemic Shutdowns
Recent college graduates in Laos are having trouble finding work, as businesses continue to shut down in the face of economic difficulties tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more
Attapeu, Champassak Order Local Lockdowns After Spike In Covid Cases
Authorities in Champassak and Attapeu provinces have ordered lockdowns to stem the spread of Covid-19 outbreak after locally-transmitted infections were reported.
Read more
Govt Proposes Income Tax Revisions To National Assembly
The Ministry of Finance has revised several articles of the Law on Income Tax, to enable businesses to operate
Read more
PM Pledges Massive Cut In State Vehicle Spending
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh has told the National Assembly (NA) that his administration will make huge reductions in spending on vehicles.
Read more
US Has Opportunity To Establish Stronger Economic Ties With Laos
The United States has an opportunity to reset its relationship with Laos and establish a future-oriented partnership based on economic development to offer a complement to Chinese influence.
Read more
Thai Baht Could Sink Even Further, Analyst Warns
Thailand’s baht could weaken further after reaching its lowest point since late 2017 level of 33 baht per USD, an analyst at Krungsri Securities said on Wednesday, as the economy is challenged by its most severe Covid-19 outbreak so far.
Read more PM Extends Covid Restrictions
The government has extended a prime ministerial order aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 for another 15 days, based on the increase in the number of imported cases of the dangerous virus, which has killed seven people in Laos.
Read more
Rollout Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Underway
Health authorities will continue to use the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine despite some unexpected side effects being reported by a few people.
Read more
Laos, Switzerland Cement Ties With Further Aid Pledged For Laos
Laos and Switzerland have agreed to enhance their longstanding ties and cooperation, with Switzerland promising assistance valued at 65 million Swiss Francs to Laos over the next four years.
Read more
Sangthong District, Villages in Vangvieng Locked Down As Locally Transmitted Cases Reported
Authorities have ordered a lockdown in Sangthong district of Vientiane and villages in Vangvieng district of Vientiane province after locally transmitted cases of Covid-19 were reported.
Read more
Govt No Longer Accepting Iron Ore Pilot Project Proposals
New proposals for the survey, extraction and export of iron ore in the form of pilot projects will no longer be considered, the Prime Minister’s Office has announced.
Read more
Laos Faces Spiralling Budget Deficit
The escalating deficit will ramp up the government’s public debt burden, posing challenges for Laos in sourcing more funding to address the shortfall.
Read more
BOL To Take Urgent Action On Differences In Exchange Rates
The Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) is now working to tackle several unresolved issues related to financial matters, including differences between the exchange rates in the market and banks.
Read more
Laos Issues E-commerce Regulations
Laos is making strides toward providing clear legal guidance for e-commerce operations by issuing legal measures to facilitate the regulation of online business activities.
Read more
Can China’s Belt and Road Open Up Landlocked Laos?
As a 420 km high-speed railway nears completion, two Chinese-built highways have been given the green light. Will these projects open up Laos, or make it a crossing point on China’s Belt and Road?
Read more
Laos To Get 1.4 million Doses Of Covid Vaccine In Coming Weeks
China and the United Kingdom will provide Laos with more than 1.4 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines in coming week or weeks, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control said on Tuesday.
Read more
Southern Provinces Order Lockdowns As Covid Cases Surge
Taskforces for Covid-19 Prevention and Control in Xekong, Attapeu and Savannakhet provinces have ordered localised lockdowns from July 23 to 29 in a bid to stem the spread of infection as more cases are identified.
Read more
Covid Taskforce Names Priority Provinces For Vaccinations
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control is prioritising the rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations in Champassak, Savannakhet, Khammuan and Saravan provinces.
Read more
Once Asia’s Top Performer, The Thai Baht Is Now Becoming The Region’s Worst-Hit Currency
The Thai baht, once the strongest-performing currency in Asia before the pandemic, has been steadily falling in 2021 and is this year’s worst-hit currency in the region
Read more
J&C Insurance Brokers To Provide Contractor’s All Risk Insurance For The New Korean Embassy!
The Korean government through Samwhan Lao Sole Co., Ltd trusts the professionalism and the high-end services provided by J&C Insurance Brokers.
Read more
Laos Records US$932 Million Trade Value In June
Laos saw a record US$932 million in the value of imports and exports for June, but recorded a trade deficit of US$62 million
Read more
More Workers Needed For Lao Garment Industry
The garment industry in Laos requires more workers, both skilled and unskilled, with almost all garment factories in Vientiane now reopening as lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Read more
Villages Inundated As Heavy Rain Lashes Two Provinces
Many villages in at least two provnces of Luang Namtha and Luang Prabang provinces are suffering from flooding following torrential rain in recent days, according to local media.
Read more
LCB’s Depositors To Be Repaid
Officials of the Bank of Lao PDR (BOL) have confirmed that customers or depositors of the Lao Construction Bank Limited (LCB) will be repaid once data of the bank’s depositors are provided.
Read more
Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 Vaccine Delivered To Laos
Laos on Monday received more than one million doses of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine donated by the United States (US) government.
Read more Covid Restrictions Extended, Some Lifted To Ease Economic Impacts
The surge in imported cases of Covid-19 has prompted the government to extend the virus control measures outlined in Prime Ministerial Order No. 15 for another 15 days until August 3.
Read more
Covid-19 Claims One Life, 131 New Cases Reported
A man has died after returning from neighbouring Thailand where he was tested positive for Covid-19, Lao authorities said on Sunday.
Read more
Virus Taskforce Announces Fourth Death From Covid
The death of an elderly man from Covid-19 brings the total number of fatalities from the virus to four, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control announced on Thursday.
Read more
Second Doses Of Pfizer, Sinopharm Vaccines Available From Today
Health workers will begin providing second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines on Thursday as part of the immunisation campaign to vaccinate 50 percent of the population by the end of this year.
Read more
Nam Theun 2 Shareholders, Govt Partner In World’s Largest Hybrid Floating Solar Project
The government and shareholders in the Nam Theun 2 hydropower plant have agreed to develop Nam Theun 2-Solar, the largest hybrid floating solar project in the world.
Read more
Get Your Beautiful Lao Masks Today !
We create local employment, wearing mask save lives and all proceeds are donated to support the local community ! A win-win project on all levels !!
Read more
Govt Extends Ban On Imported Cattle, Beef Products
The government has extended the ban on the import of cattle and other beef products due to an outbreak of lumpy skin disease, which is continuing to spread in various areas of the country.
Read more
Laos Fears Outbreak Of Delta Variant Of Covid
Authorities fear the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant of Covid-19 after nine imported cases have been reported in Laos.
Read more
Proceeds From Our “Save Lives, Save Laos” Project Being Distributed To The Local Community
We are proud to announce that today we made another contribution to the Solidarity Canteen in Luang Prabang to the value of 4,000,000 kip. We carefully selected from the various options, and we love the “grassroot” approach of the Solidarity Canteen.
Read more
Govt To Take Stronger Action To Contain Spread of Covid-19
The government has vowed to take stronger action to contain the spread of Covid-19 and to tackle economic difficulties created by the pandemic.
Read more
Laos, Russia Agree To Cement Ties, Broaden Cooperation
Lao and Russian foreign ministers have agreed that both sides will work together to cement ties and broaden cooperation between their two countries.
Read more
Covid Taskforce Orders Use Of Track And Trace QR Code
People living in Laos and entering the country will be required to install the LaoKYC programme on their smartphones so they can use the Lao Sou Sou service to scan a QR code.
Read more
Laos To Sell Vietnam Its Wind Power With Mitsubishi’s Help
Japanese trading conglomerate Mitsubishi Corp. will develop a massive onshore wind farm in Laos that will supply electricity to Vietnam.
Read more
First Laos Green Coffee Competition is Underway
The first green coffee competition ever to take place in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is underway, part of a broad multi-stakeholder effort to boost the country’s agricultural sector and forge international market connections.
Read more
Laos Grapples With Rising Inflation
The consumer price index has continued to surge despite measures imposed by the government to manage the prices of goods in local markets.
Read more
Vangvieng Authorities Call For Lockdown Of District
Vangvieng district authorities have asked Vientiane provincial authorities to consider ordering a lockdown in the district after cases of Covid-19 were reported in the area recently.
Read more
Govt Approves Bokeo-Boten Expressway Linking China, Thailand
The government has approved the construction of an expressway running between Bokeo province and Boten, which will link China and Thailand through Laos.
Read more Laos’ trade deficit exceeds US$54 million in May
China is the largest market for Lao exports, while Thailand remains one of Laos’ main importing countries with imports reaching a record value of US$227 million in May.
Read more
Lao Airlines Announces Changes To Domestic Flight Schedule
Lao Airlines has announced that flights to several domestic destinations will resume on June 27 and July 2, after being initially planned for June 25.
Read more
Vientiane To Vaccinate 80% Of Adults Against Covid-19 By Year End
Vientiane authorities have an amitious plan to have 80 per cent of its population vaccinated against Covid-19 to create herd immunity and break the chain of Covid-19 infection by the end of this year.
Read more
Concerns Increase Over New Covid-19 Variants
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has expressed concern about emerging variants of the virus
Read more
First Train Test On Laos-China Railway Planned For August
The first trial run of a train on the under-construction Laos-China railway is scheduled to take place in August.
Read more
Laos Voices Appreciation Of Asia-Europe Partnership
Laos values the Asia-Europe Partnership as an important forum for promoting cooperation and understanding between the peoples of the two regions.
Read more
Lao Airlines To Resume Domestic Flights On June 25
Lao Airlines has announced that it will resume domestic flights on June 25, with several weekly flights to different provinces that will carry travellers who have received Covid-19 vaccines.
Read more Lockdown Extended But More Restrictions Lifted
The government has extended the lockdown for another 15 days until July 4 but has eased some restrictions to alleviate the hardship caused by the Covid-19 outbreak and gradually normalise the situation.
Read more
Laos Sets Out Rules for Securing Investment Promotion Incentives
Laos has issued important new guidelines on obtaining investment promotion incentives in the country.
Read more
No Travel Privileges Even With Two Doses Of Vaccine
Everyone entering Laos must comply all of the standard Covid-19 prevention and control measures, even if they have had two doses of a Covid vaccine, a senior government official has said.
Read more
State, Private Sectors Set Up Joint Venture Dry Port Company To Develop Lao Logistics
A joint venture agreement was signed in Vientiane on June 10 to establish Thakhek Dry Port Co Ltd, which will develop “Thakhek Dry Port” as a gateway for international goods and encourage Laos to become a regional and international logistics service centre.
Read more
Coffee Set To Boost Laos-EU trade
The value of coffee sold by Laos to the European (EU) market is likely to increase thanks to additional EU support for the trade.
Read more
Laos Govt Approves Vientiane-Pakse Expressway Route Selection
The Lao government has recently approved the route selection for Vientiane-Pakse Expressway Project recommended by a Chinese engineering company.
Read more
Laos At High Risk Of Major Outbreak, Officials Warn
Although the number of new Covid cases is continuing to fall, further community outbreaks remain a great concern in Vientiane.
Read more
Taskforce Sets Conditions For Entry And Exit From Vientiane
The Vientiane Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has specified the conditions under which local residents, government officials and members of organisations may enter or exit the capital from now until June 19.
Read more
Ministry Issues New Guidance To Tackle Corruption, Bureaucratic Malpractices
Authorities have issued a new guidance to prevent officials in-charge of natural resources and environment affairs from committing corruption and bureaucratic malpractices.
Read more Lockdown Extended For 15 Days, Some Restrictions Lifted
The government has extended the lockdown for another 15 days until June 19, with restrictions to continue in areas of infection known as red zones, while some virus control measures have been eased.
Read more
Markets Under Scrutiny In Covid Crackdown
The government is keeping a close watch on Vientiane’s markets and is taking steps to reduce the risk of the Covid-19 virus spreading after it was found that several infected people had visited markets.
Read more
Ministry Asks Telecom Operators To Cut Charges, Increase Internet Speed
Telecom operators plan to cut the charges for voice calls by 15 percent, as well as increase internet speeds, so that people can study online and work from home more easily during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Read more
Finance Ministry Suspends & Waives Tax Payments
The Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the government, has issued an instruction on the suspension and waiver of income tax payments as well as postponement of the payment of the annual road tax for 2021.
Read more Hopes Rise For End To Lockdown As Covid Cases Dwindle
Lao people are hoping that the government will be able to control the spread of Covid-19 after only one new case of the virus was reported on Monday.
Read more
Utilities Reduce Electricity And Water Tariffs For Households
The state-run Electricite Du Lao (EDL) and Vientiane Water Supply State Enterprise have cut power and water tariffs by three and five percent respectively to help people cope with the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
Read more Next Vaccine Shipment Expected Soon
The government is speeding up the Covid-19 vaccination programme as it now has enough vaccines for 760,000 people, while waiting for the next delivery to arrive.
Read more
Vientiane-Pakxe Expressway Awaiting Govt Approval
Construction of the Vientiane-Pakxe expressway will go ahead after the government gives the green light for the proposed route, when feasibility studies on all sections of the highway will begin.
Read more
More Villages Named Red Zones As Covid Spreads
Twenty-nine villages have been named as red zones, meaning they will remain under 24-hour surveillance and general entry and exit is banned in an attempt to contain the Covid-19 virus.
Read more 56 More Infections Raise Covid Total To 1,878
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on Tuesday warned that it will be difficult to prevent the spread of Covid-19 if people with the virus fail to provide information about those they have come into contact with.
Read more
Govt Tightens Travel Restrictions In Red Zones
The Ministry of Health has instructed authorities in 18 provinces to classify areas of Covid-19 outbreak into colour-coded zones as part of efforts to control the spread of the virus.
Read more Covid-19 Rules Updated, Some Strengthened, Others Eased
The government has intensified Covid-19 prevention and control restrictions, while easing some where appropriate, as it extends measures to contain the outbreak for another 15 days until June 4.
Read more
Govt Confirms Stable Food Supplies During Pandemic
The government has said there is a sufficient supply of foodstuffs and consumer products for at least two months despite delays in transport caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read more
Three Provinces Ease Lockdown Restrictions
Some provinces where only a few cases of Covid-19 have been recorded remain under lockdown but are easing restrictions to enable people to engage in business and earn a living.
Read more Laos Struggles To Contain Escalating Virus Outbreak
The number of new Covid-19 cases is spiking, not only in Laos but also in the whole region, despite reinforced measures to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
Read more
Home Delivery Service Convenient, But Raises Covid Concerns
Source: Vientiane Times Products ranging from clothes to food and drinks can now be delivered to private homes by several
Read more
Korea Airports Corporation To Enter Korea’s First Airport Development Project In Laos
The Ministry of Planning and Investment of Laos selected Korea Airports Corporation as a feasibility study provider for the Luang Prabang airport development project.
Read more
J&C Group Supporting The Community
J&C Group provided the village administration of Saphanthong Tai with 25 rice bags in the value of LAK 10’000’000
Read more
Vientiane Capital To Lock Down By Zones
Vientiane authorities have ordered a 14-day lockdown in so-called red zones of the city where the highest number of Covid-19 infections have occurred.
Read more
Hike In Premium Grade Fuel Price To Hit Motorists’ Pockets
Petrol stations in the capital and Vientiane province are now selling premium grade fuel at 11,289 kip per litre, which is the lowest price in the country.
Read more
More Family Members, Older People Contract Covid-19
More and more family members and older people are developing Covid-19 due to failure to comply with measures imposed to contain the spread of the virus.
Read more New Guidelines Issued For Vientiane Entry & Exit
The Vientiane Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has issued new guidelines which require people wishing to exit or enter the capital to submit certain documents while the lockdown remains in force.
Read more
Unemployment Spirals Due To Covid-19 Outbreak
The unemployment rate has increased sharply since the end of 2020 amid measures imposed to prevent the spread of the virus.
Read more
Govt To Continue Suspension Of Passenger Transport
The government will continue to suspend all passenger transportation services by land, water, and air between the capital to provinces and within provinces.
Read more
Factories Can Continue Operations During Lockdown
Factories are permitted to continue their operations so long as they strictly comply with Covid-19 prevention and control measures, a senior government official has said.
Read more
Lockdown Extended Until May 20
The government has extended the lockdown for another 15 days until May 20 in an ongoing effort to contain the Covid-19 outbreak as new cases continue to surge.
Read more
90 Percent Of Tourism Businesses Close Due To Covid Outbreak
The hospitality industry in Laos is facing a further slump as a result of the ongoing outbreak of Covid-19 with about 90 percent of businesses forced to close their doors.
Read more Covid Cases Surge In Bokeo
Bokeo province was recorded the highest number of new Covid infections on Sunday, recording 60 new cases, with an outbreak in Tonpheung district infecting 57 people.
Read more
EDL To Discount Electricity Rates During Lockdown Period
The new electricity rates for households will be calculated from May to July in provinces under lockdown. The discount applies only to residential consumers and does not include value-added tax (VAT).
Read more
Authorities Mull Policies To Ease Impacts Of Covid-19
A number of policies are being considered to mitigate the effects of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak on the economy and people’s livelihoods.
Read more Inflation Continues To Rise Amid Covid-19 Crisis
The year-on-year inflation rate continued to rise in Laos in March amid economic distress triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read more
ADB Positive About Growth Of Lao Economy Despite Covid-19 Crisis
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is optimistic about the growth of the Lao economy amid the Covid-19 crisis and lockdown measures imposed to contain the spread of the Coronavirus.
Read more
Sports Stadium To Become Makeshift Hospital As Virus Cases Surge
Temporary hospitals opened in Vientiane on Monday to accommodate Covid-19 patients amid a surge in new cases, while authorities insist that there are sufficient hospital beds.
Read more Govt Orders Preparations For Worsening Covid Scenario
The government has instructed the relevant authorities to review and draw up plans of the essentials they need to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak as the number of cases continues to rise.
Read more
Lao Airlines Suspends All Domestic Flights
Lao Airlines is suspending all domestic flights until May 5 after the government on Wednesday introduced new measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Vientiane.
Read more
Rollout Of Covid-19 Vaccination Programme Speeds Up
People in Vientiane and some provinces have now had their first and second doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Read more
Laos Locks Down Capital, Provinces As COVID Cases Climb
Laos has announced a two-week lockdown in the capital Vientiane, with restrictions also ordered in several provinces as the number of COVID cases in the country suddenly climbs
Read more Four More cases Of Covid-19 Confirmed
Four more people have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of known cases in Laos to 58, the Ministry of Health announced on Saturday.
Read more
Happy Lao New Year 2021! Sokdee Pi Mai Lao!
The entire J&C Group team wishes you a prosperous and wonderful 2021 and in meantime stay healthy and safe !
Read more Two More Covid-19 Cases Confirmed
Two people have tested positive for Covid-19 with the results confirmed on April 10, the national virus taskforce announced on Sunday.
Read more
Laos Now Perceived To Be The Third Most Corrupt Country In The Asean Bloc In 2020, Says Transparency International
Laos is now also the third most corrupt country in the Asean bloc, following Myanmar and Cambodia.
Read more
Railways To Help Laos’ Businesses Blossom
Once opened, the Laos-China Railway promises to be a significant engine of business development in Laos.
Read more
Laos Enjoys US$42 Million Trade Surplus In February
Laos recorded a trade surplus of US$42 million in February even though the value of goods sold to the country’s two main trading partners, China and Vietnam, dropped compared to January.
Read more
Thailand Braced For Infections Spike After Detecting UK COVID-19 Variant
Source: Thaivisa Thailand has detected at least 24 cases of the coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 first identified in Britain, a government health
Read more
Power Supply For Laos-China Railway Completed
The Laos-China Railway Power Supply Project has been completed on schedule, paving the way for the planned operation of the railway in December.
Read more
Mass Rollout Of Covid-19 Vaccine Gets Underway
The government has begun vaccinating the most vulnerable and at-risk groups in a step towards ending the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read more
Expressway Operator Applies New Security Measures
The new security measures are to prevent further accidents along the highway Vientiane – Vang Vieng.
Read more
Handicraft Designers Pledge To Protect Traditional Designs
Better knowledge of copyright and trademarks has become necessary in the traditional handicraft industry.
Read more
Laos Must Speed Up Reform To Maximise Benefits Of Railway: World Bank
In order to maximise benefits from the rail project, Laos must quickly create a business friendly environment.
Read more
Govt Bans Public Events Over Pi Mai (Lao New Year)
All public events are banned over the Lao New Year holiday from April 14-16 as part of the government’s continuing measures to keep Covid-19 in check.
Read more
Vietnam Hands Over $111 Million Parliament Building to Lao Government
The building highlights Vietnam’s desire to prevent Laos from spiraling off into China’s orbit.
Read more
Lao Govt To Address Seven Urgent Issues To Spur Development
Newly-elected Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh highlighted the seven concerns
Read more
Inflation Down But Cost Of Living Remains High
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 113.61 points in February, indicating an inflation rate of 1.91 percent year-on-year, down from the 2.01 percent recorded in January
Read more
Former Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith Elected As State President
Party Secretary General, Mr Thongloun Sisoulith has become the new President of the Lao PDR
Read more
Thai Economy Unlikely To Bounce Back
The Thai economy in 2021 will not rebound from a negative growth of 6.1% last year and could risk facing a financial crisis like in 1997″
Read more
Laos Grants 25-Year Power Grid Concession To Chinese-Majority Firm
The deal will deepen China’s involvement in the Lao government’s goal of transforming itself into the “battery of Southeast Asia.”
Read more
J&C Insurance Brokers Awarded Agent Of The Year 2020
Once again rewarded as ‘Agent of the Year’, J&C Insurance Brokers was in 2020 performing at the highest level thanks to the support of the APA Insurance’ products!
Read more Unemployment Spirals To 23.4 Percent Amid Covid-19 Pandemic
Unemployment in Laos has skyrocketed to 23.4 percent, indicating that about 320,000 people are out of work
Read more
Luang Prabang To Lead The Way In Digital Transformation
Luang Prabang province has begun the first steps in becoming a Smart City through the creation of e-government practices.
Read more Fuel Prices Rise For Fourth Time This Year
Source: Vientiane Times Motorists across the country are rushing to petrol stations to fill up their tanks after the government
Read more
Pork Price Spirals As Controls Fail
Authorities have been unable to cap the price of pork, which has now risen above the price set during the Covid-19 pandemic, and are trying to find a way to keep prices down.
Read more
J&C Insurance Brokers Awarded Top Agent of Forte-Toko Assurance 2020
During the recent annual agent/broker celebration held by Forte-Toko Assurance, J&C Insurance Brokers was rewarded as Top Agent 2020.
Read more
Micro-Businesses Dominate Laos’ Enterprises
Laos, as a least developed country, is still largely dominated by microbusinesses, which account for 94.2 percent of all enterprises in the country
Read more
Inflation Down, But Financial Hardship Persists
Although inflation is trending downwards, many people feel their personal situation has not improved at all due to the mismatch between their income and spending.
Read more
MRC Blames Mekong River’s Blue Hue on Upstream Outflow Restrictions, Decreased Rainfall
Water levels in the Mekong River are down to “worrying” levels with some parts of the major Southeast Asian waterway in Laos and Thailand turning blue due to increased algae growth
Read more
Xekong To Open First Int’l Border Crossing With Vietnam
Xekong province will open its first international border crossing with Vietnam next month to ease the movement of goods and people between the two countries.
Read more
Laos Increasingly Witnesses Extreme Weather
Source: Vientiane Times Laos has witnessed increasingly extreme weather events due to climate change causing unusualy situations. In recent years,
Read more Laos Planned Railways: Opening a National Rail Network in 2021
At present, Laos doesn’t have any railways. However, that is about to change in 2021.
Read more
Vientiane Creates New District
Vientiane authorities are in the process of creating a new district, which will be the tenth in the capital
Read more
Pepsi Names Famous K-Pop Girl Group ‘BLACKPINK’ As New Asia-Pacific Brand Ambassadors
The world’s popular soft drink Pepsi, a trend-setter of youth fashion and culture, announced superstar K-Pop girl group BLACKPINK as its new Asia-Pacific spokespersons
Read more
Laos’ Fish Larb Video Show At Fisheries Meeting In Rome
Lao food, fish Larb “Fish mixed salad” recently was selected to show its delicious recipe via a shot video to VIP’s at a global fisheries conference in Rome, Italy.
Read more Laos Tightens Measures As Covid-19 Cases In Neighbouring Countries Rise
The government has issued a notice stating more stringent measures against Covid-19 have been put in place for Feb 1- Mar 31, 2021.
Read more
Laos To Earn Revenue From Sale Of Carbon Credit Next Year
The government expects to earn its first income from the sale of carbon credit next year after signing an agreement with the World Bank.
Read more Lao Airlines’ Earnings Nosedive By 70 Percent In 2020
Lao Airlines’ earnings plummeted by 70 percent last year compared to 2019 as result of a sharp drop in passenger numbers due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read more Lao Economy Set to Recover If Threats Can Be Contained
While economic growth in the Lao PDR contracted in 2020 for the first time in over two decades, the economy is set to recover in 2021 and in the medium term, provided the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is contained and business can resume with trading partners
Read more
Unemployment In Laos Soared By 20 Percent In 2020
The unemployment rate in Laos skyrocketed to 20 percent in 2020, a 10.6 percent increase compared to the figures for 2017, and the global Covid-19 outbreak was the main factor for the sharp increase in the number of jobless in the country.
Read more Inflation Rises In Laos In December
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Laos continues to rise despite the government’s enhanced measures to control the prices of products in local markets.
Read more
XI National Party Congress Opens
The 11th Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party opened on Wednesday to track achievements made in implementing the resolution of the 10th Party Congress under the leadership of the Party Central Committee over the past five years (2016-2020).
Read more
Bangchak Corporation (BCP) Adds Coffee Shops In Laos, Cambodia
Inthanin Coffee claims to be environmentally friendly, with a total of 690 outlets in Thailand and eight overseas. The business is run by BCP’s wholly-owned Bangchak Retail Co.
Read more Authorities Ramp Up Lao-Thai Border Checks To Prevent Virus Spread
Local authorities have been urged to monitor border crossings to prevent people from entering Laos illegally from Thailand, to stem the spread of Covid-19 after a widespread outbreak in Thailand.
Read more
Visitor Adventure Park Planned For Phou Bia Mountain
The developers expect to spend more than US$47 million to create tourism activities alongside environmental conservation measures undertaken by the Khamphay Sana Group.
Read more
Lao Postal Enterprise Partners With Chinese Express Delivery Operator
Laos’ state-owned postal enterprise is looking forward to working with its newly-signed partner, ZTO Express, a China-based provider of services including express delivery, logistics and e-commerce, to upgrade the skills of IT personnel as well as build capacity in other areas.
Read more
Vientiane City Authorities Plan To Introduce Smart Zones
Several areas of Vientiane have been designated for development as “smart zones” through the use of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) in the development of the capital.
Read more