Lao Airlines Issues Travel Requirements
Lao Airlines State Enterprise has issued travel advice for passengers wishing to use the airline to enter or exit Laos.
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Lao Economy
Lao Govt Eases Covid-19 Prevention Measures To Mitigate Economic Impact
The government has decided in principle to allow visits to Laos by tour groups from countries where there is no community outbreak of Covid-19
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Inflation Surges In August
The price of food and beverages increased by 9.91 percent year-on-year and 2.19 percent month-on-month
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Laos Credit Downgrade Signals ‘Real’ Default Risk As China Looms
Fitch Ratings has downgraded Laos’ rating to “CCC” from “B-,” meaning that the Southeast Asian nation faces “substantial credit risk” and that default is a “real possibility,”
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Business Operators Urge Cut In Transportation Costs
The business sector has requested the government find ways to reduce transportation and customs clearance costs to ensure that the collection of fees is done strictly under the Lao President’s Decree.
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Laos-China Railway On Track Despite Covid-19 Pandemic
Construction of the Laos-China railway is progressing as planned despite the obstacles posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Vientiane To Spend 7.4 billion Kip To Repair Roads, Prevent Flooding
Many roads are in need of repair after suffering damage during heavy rain
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Laos The Latest China Debt Trap Victim
Laos set to cede majority control of its national power grid to China to service Belt and Road debts
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Lao Govt Partners With Hi-tech Company In Land Surveys
Lao Govt and Space Eye Lao Co., Ltd. (Spel) will partner in the study and development of a modern land management system in Laos using digital technology.
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Agriculture Growth Rate Falls Below Target
The agriculture sector is expected to grow at a rate of just 0.9-1.7 percent this year, well below the target of 2.8-3 percent
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Lane Xang Minerals Resumes Operation At Sepon Mine
The primary gold project is expected to generate about US$30 million in government revenue and economic benefits
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EDL, CSG Sign Agreement To Establish Transmission Line Firm
EDLT plans to invest about US$2 billion in building Laos’ national backbone power grid and cross-border power grid interconnection for Laos and its neighbouring countries
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Laos Faces Sovereign Default As Forex Reserves Dip Below $1bn
The country’s foreign exchange reserves have fallen below $1bn, less than Laos’ annual debt payments
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Laos To Lose Favourable Trading Status After LDC Graduation
Laos could face a trade loss of US$102 million under the special tariff scheme if the country graduates from the UN’s Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2024
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Lao Telecom Officially Launches 5G System
Lao Telecommunications Public Company (Lao Telecom) has officially launched the 5G system, which is the first network in Laos.
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Migrants From Neighboring Countries Sneak Into Laos, Sparking COVID Fears
Migrants from China, Myanmar, and Vietnam are increasingly entering Laos by boat and through lightly-guarded border crossings, avoiding more heavily inspected international checkpoints
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7-Eleven Signs Agreement with CP ALL to Operate 7-Eleven Stores in Laos
The first 7-Eleven-branded convenience store in Laos is expected to be open in Vientiane
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Laos To Lose US$483mil In Export Revenue Over COVID-19
The country is still facing a huge trade deficit
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Inflation In Laos Remains Sore Point For The Poor
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) remains high in Laos despite the government increasing measures to curb rising prices at Lao markets.
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Garment Makers To Focus On Domestic Market As Foreign Orders Slump
The Lao garment industry is in a slump following a significant drop in orders from foreign countries due to the Covid-19 pandemic and must now rely on the domestic market to sustain its long-time workforce.
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Foreigners Permitted To Purchase Limited Ownership Of Land-Use Rights – Amended Lao Land Law
Today sees the entry into force of the new Law on Land No. 70/NA dated 21 June 2019 (the “2019 Land Law”), which among other things, includes new provisions concerning the limited ownership of land-use rights by foreigners under certain circumstances, and the limited ownership of individual units in a condominium or apartment building.
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13 Vietnamese Caught Sneaking Into Laos
Border guards in central Vietnam are investigating 13 people who paid a smuggling ring to help them enter Laos, and later Thailand, to find jobs.
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Land Disputes Remain A Challenge For Vientiane Authorities
Land disputes have become one of the most difficult issues for authorities in the national capital because of growing demand for land
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Cabinet Instructs Business-Friendly Policy Improvements, Tightening Of Border Crossings
Chaired by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, the two-day meeting told officials in charge to improve policies to promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
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Japan And Laos Agree To Relax Coronavirus Travel Restrictions
Expatriates to be eligible first, with students and business travel on agenda
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Fiscal Deficit Ramps Up Pressures On Lao Government
An elevated fiscal deficit will result in growing public debt, which will ramp up pressure on the country’s debt servicing capacity amid the Covid-19 crisis.
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Vinamilk Poured An Additional $ 41 Million Into The Dairy Project In Laos
Vinamilk’s investment capital in Lao-Jagro has increased from 25.4 million USD to 66.4 million USD. Additional capital increased to build the first two farms in the complex of high-tech dairy farms in Laos.
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Moody’s Downgrades Laos’s Rating To Caa2, Outlook Changed To Negative
Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) has downgraded the Government of Laos’s issuer rating to Caa2 from B3 and changed the outlook to negative.
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Govt, GIZ Launch Project To Promote SMEs
The project will focus on Promotion of Strengthening Regional Structures for Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion in Asean.
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Govt Takes New Steps To Prevent Second Wave Of Covid-19
The continuing spread of Covid-19 in neighbouring countries and beyond has forced Laos to intensify measures to protect the tiny nation against a second wave of the virus.
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Inflation Rises In Laos Amidst Covid Pandemic
The inflation rate is increasing in Laos despite the government’s measures to regulate the prices of goods in the local markets.
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Chinese Workers and Gamblers Illegally Stream Into Laos to Avoid Quarantine
Laos has detained and deported hundreds of Chinese nationals in recent months for illegally entering the country to sidestep a mandatory 14-day coronavirus quarantine period and head straight to casinos to gamble or work
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Top 3 Expos Of Laos Postponed To 2021 Due To Covid-19 Crisis
The organisers of the top three expos of Laos have announced that LaoBuild 2020, Lao Food & Hotel 2020 and LaoCafe 2020 have been rescheduled to June 17-19, 2021 in line with the government’s Covid-19-related restrictions.
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Laos To Lose Millions Of Dollars Remitted By Workers Due To Covid-19 Crisis
Laos expects to lose millions dollars in remittances from overseas workers this year following the return of thousands of Lao citizens to the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Laos Toughens Anti-Money Laundering Measures
Source: Vientiane Times The National Committee for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) has reviewed the progress of preparations
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J&C Marketing Seminar with AustCham Lao
“Marketing Over Coffee” is back with its second edition “Top 5 Facebook Metrics: What they tell you about your business”
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Gold Prices Rise Further Amid Covid-19 Pandemic
Gold jewellery prices in Laos on Wednesday were almost 8.8 million kip per baht-weight (15 grams) and 2.2 million kip a sleung (3.75 grams)
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Nation Needs To Focus On Fight Against Dengue Fever
Health authorities say officials and the public have achieved excellent results in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, but Laos now needs to prevent an outbreak of a virulent form of dengue fever this rainy season.
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Lao Airlines To Resume Flights On Vientiane-Hanoi Route
State-run Lao Airlines plans to soon resume its international service from Vientiane to Hanoi in Vietnam, with two flights a week on Mondays and Fridays.
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Lao Central Bank Imposes New Regulation For Currency Exchanges
The Bank of the Lao PDR has come up with a new administrative rule designed to administer currency exchange businesses amid the appreciation of international currencies against the Lao kip.
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Vientiane Authorities Set Prices Of Rice To Protect Consumers
Authorities in Vientiane have set the maximum rates of rice to protect consumers and ensure price stability amid the economic crisis because of natural disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Nearly One-Third Of Tourism-Related Businesses ‘May Shut Down Permanently’: Thailand
The Tourism Council of Thailand estimates that in the next three months up to 30 per cent of tourism-related businesses in Thailand are at risk of shutting down permanently
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Processing Factories Struggle To Stay Afloat
Many manufacturers in Laos are facing challenges to stay afloat even as the government has given them the nod to resume business.
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Widespread Heavy Downpours Forecast Across Laos
Regions across Laos have been put on alert for flash floods and landslides after weather forecasters warned an active low pressure system will increase heavy rains in parts of the country during July 1-5.
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Laos Suffering From Limited Sources Of Foreign Currency
Source: Vientiane Times Laos needs at least US$4 billion in foreign currencies to purchase goods from other countries each year,
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Laos: Decision On Trademark Registration Process
The Decision brings clarity to certain important provisions of the Amended Law on Intellectual Property No. 38/NA, published in May 2018.
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Laos To Establish Centre For Food Quality
Source: The Star Laos will establish the National Center for the Quality Inspection of Foodstuff and Beverage to ensure the
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Lao Govt Relaxes COVID-19 Prevention Measures
Sports competitions, casinos, and some social gatherings will be allowed to resume under the government’s decision to relax the COVID-19 prevention measures
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PRI·MED Medical Products Announces New Medical PPE Manufacturing Facility in Laos
PRI·MED Medical Products (PRI·MED), a worldwide leader in manufacturing single-use medical personal protective equipment (PPE) including face masks, gowns and examination gloves – has today announced the development of a new manufacturing facility in Vientiane, Laos
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One-Stop Service ‘Still Can’t Be Implemented’: DPM
The one-stop service introduced by the government to enable the completion of service procedures at one location is still not implemented effectively
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No Chance Of Vietnam Resuming International Flights In July: Experts
Vietnamese carriers’ plans to resume international flights next month will come to naught, given fresh Covid-19 outbreaks in Asia and other factors, experts say.
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Some Foreigners To Be Allowed Entry From July 1: Thailand
Thailand will allow some foreigners to enter the country from July 1, in an easing of the months-long travel lockdown.
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Laos’ Revenues From Coffee Rise Despite Reduction In Plantations
The value of coffee exported by Laos increased as the price of local coffee beans was better this year
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Thai Immigration Crackdown On Illegal Migrants Flowing Back Into The Country
The country’s porous borders have been an ongoing issue with some 5 million+ illegal immigrants floating around Thailand at any one time.
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EDL To Slash Electricity Bills For Thousands Of Householders
Electricity du Laos (EDL) will reduce electricity prices for households using less than 461kwh per month for the three months of April, May, and June as part measures to offset the financial impact of COVID-19 in the country.
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International Flights To Thailand Won’t Resume Until September, Says Aviation Authority
Thailand Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has said it will be September before international flights to and from the country resume.
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More Restaurants Resume Services, Some Remain Closed
Several restaurants in Vientiane and tourist destinations across Laos continue to be closed after suspending operations several months ago due to the Covid-19 crisis, and some operators are now seeking new ways to earn a living.
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Importers, Exporters Face Further Trade Barriers
Importers and exporters in Laos are grappling with several challenges despite the government’s active efforts to reduce procedures and trade barriers.
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Laos Has Avoided A Major Health Crisis, Yet To Be Immune To Global Economic Downturn
The Lao PDR has so far avoided a major health crisis but has not been immune from the global economic downturn as the COVID-19-induced economic recession has affected the country through multiple channels including tourism, trade, investment, commodity prices, exchange rates, and lower remittances.
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Vientiane-Vangvieng Expressway Over 70 percent Complete
Source: Vientiane Times Construction of a 113.50-km expressway linking Vientiane and Vangvieng is now over 70 percent complete and authorities
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Laos Announces Victory Over Covid-19
The Lao government announced an initial victory in the battle against Covid-19 after all 19 patients infected by the virus were discharged from hospital
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Lao Employment Law During The COVID-19 Pandemic
We address the human resources challenges facing employers in Laos and answer the challenging questions relating to the workplace within Laos’ labour law framework and COVID-19-specific regulations and guidance
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Laos-China Railway Almost 90 Percent Complete
Construction of the Laos-China railway was 89.43 percent complete as of the end of May with Lao authorities calling for the project developer to progress work according to plan.
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Singapore Firm To Build US$1.7 billion Coal Power Plant In Laos
Laos has approved a Singapore energy firm’s plan to build a 1,000 MW coal-fired power plant in the southern province of Sekong.
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Real Estate Market Expected To Drop Sharply This Year
The real estate market in Laos is expected to decline by 15 percent to 20 percent this year because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and a continuing economic slowdown.
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Labour Ministry Orders Businesses To Pay Workers Amid Virus Outbreak
The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has instructed businesses in the production and service sectors to respect the Law on Labour, related laws, and regulations on the payment of workers affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.
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Marketing in the time of COVID-19
The current impact of the situation is still being molded, consumer behaviors and consumption patterns are changing and will continue to change drastically in the coming few months.
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Foreign Ministry Issues Update On Entry And Exit Rules
In its latest announcement issued on June 1, the ministry said an application must also be made to the Secretariat of the National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control
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BOL Launches Real Time Financial System
Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) has officially launched the Lao Payment and Settlement System (LaPASS), a real-time gross settlement system, to promote a more efficient financial system.
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Nikon Lays Off 700 Workers In Laos and Thailand As Part Of “Structural Reform”
Nikon Corporation has announced that they’ve reduced the number of employees in their Imaging business by 700 at its factories in Thailand and Laos – around 10% of their workforce in each of those locations.
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Govt Lifts More Restrictions On Road To ‘New Normal’
The government has lifted more of the restrictions put in place to curb the Covid-19 outbreak, enabling people to gradually return to a ‘new normal’ based on Laos’ good track record in keeping the virus at bay.
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Mass Unemployment The New Normal In SE Asia
A new International Labor Organization report suggests that more than one in six young people worldwide has stopped working since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, while the rest have seen their working hours cut by almost a quarter.
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Laos’ Tax Collections Decrease Due To Covid-19 Pandemic And New Tax Law Adjustment
Laos will not be able to achieve the target for tax collections this year due to the Covid-19 crisis and the implementation of the adjusted new tax law.
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Petrol Stations Increase Fuel Prices
Petrol stations across Laos on Wednesday increased retail prices of petrol and diesel
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Commercial Crops In Vientiane Impacted By Drought
Various projects in Vientiane for the promotion of dry season commercial crops have been impact by a drought and the lack of water in irrigation systems.
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Amended Law On Insurance In Laos
The amended law addresses insurance activity in Laos, insurers’ daily operations, and termination and liquidation of an insurance company.
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PM Advises Energy Ministry To Clarify Electricity Charges
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has directed the Ministry of Energy and Mines to clearly explain the electricity tariff structure following concerns raised by society about increased monthly bills.
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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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Vientiane Water Reduces Household Tariffs By 5 Percent
Vientiane Water Supply Enterprise will reduce its rates from May to July for household customers by five percent with the change coming into effect next month.
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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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Travel Restrictions Lifted As More Lockdown Measures Eased
The government has lifted travel restrictions to enable people to travel freely around the country as Laos eases more Covid-19 prevention measures to minimise the impact on livelihoods and the economy.
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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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More Thunderstorms Forecast To Rumble Across The Country
Thunderstorms, strong winds and hail are forecast for northern, central and southern provinces from May 15-17, while storms and light rain will affect some regions from May 18-19,
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Petrol Prices In Laos To Decrease
The new lower rates for fuels will come into effect across Laos from 4 pm on May 14.
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Laos Sets Criteria For Entry And Exit
All people entering Laos will have to undergo a health check, be tested for Covid-19 and be placed in quarantine for 14 days
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Lao Migrant Workers Clear Quarantine, Return Home, After Crossing Back From Thailand
More than 6,000 Lao migrant workers held in camps in quarantine after returning from Thailand have now gone home
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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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Farmers Told To Brace For Dry Three Months
Laos farmers are expected to have difficulty finding enough water for wet season rice planting from May to July as hotter weather brings less rain
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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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Laos Cautiously Optimistic Over Covid-19 / 4.5.2020
Some prevention and control measures that were previously enforced are still in place to prevent a second wave of infections.
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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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Lao Airlines Suspends All Flights
The state-run Lao Airlines will suspend all domestic and international flights in order to prevent, limit and control the spread of Covid-19.
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J&C Group Welcomes Customers At Office Again
As from this Monday, the J&C management is back working from our offices and is welcoming our clients to visit.
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Temporary Easing of Lockdown Restrictions
The new guidelines issued by the Lao PM are temporary measures to prevent and control the virus and will begin from 4th to 17th May 2020.
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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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Lockdown Eased, But Thailand Remains Closed To Foreign Tourists For Another Month
Though Thailand will allow some businesses to reopen from Friday (May 1), the country is still not ready to welcome foreign tourists, say government officials.
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Govt Discusses Post-Lockdown Measures / 29.4.2020
The government looks set to keep some strict measures in place as part of its bold policy to control the spread of COVID-19
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60 Fires In First Three Months Of Year
A total of 60 fires were reported around the country in the first three months of this year
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Schools Expected To Reopen On May 11 Under Close Supervision
State and private kindergartens, primary and secondary schools and tertiary education institutions along with sporting activities, are expected to reopen on May 11 amid strict measures.
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Easing of Lockdown Restrictions Proposed
Six restrictions under the current lockdown could be eased after May 3 if there are no more confirmed case of coronavirus by that date, authorities have suggested.
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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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Ban On Inbound Flights Continues: Thailand
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is planning to extend its inbound flight ban for another 15 days
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Vientiane Cuts Waste Disposal Fee By 50 Percent
The waste disposal fee for residents, entrepreneurs and organisations in Vientiane has been reduced by 50 percent from April to June this year.
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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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Bushfires Destroy 100,000 Hectares Of Forests
More than 100,000 hectares of forests in Luang Namtha province were destroyed by bushfires that raged for more than a month
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Widespread Thunderstorms, Strong Winds Forecast Until Sunday
Many regions across the country are expecting thunderstorms and strong winds with the public being urged to be on alert
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Lao Airlines To Resume All Domestic Flights Next Month
Lao Airlines will resume flights on all domestic routes next month after operations were suspended during April 1-19 to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
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Thailand Extends Foreigners’ Visas As Coronavirus Cases Slow
Thailand’s cabinet approved a second automatic visa extension for foreigners for three more months until July 31
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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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Twelve Predictions For Life After Coronavirus: Travel & Tourism
12 predictions for the travel and tourism industry in Asia
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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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Local Authorities Urged To Enforce PM’s Order On Lockdown
Local authorities must ensure that Prime Minister’s Order No. 6, aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19 by putting a lockdown in place, is enforced
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Schools, Centres Of Higher Education To Remain Closed
The Ministry of Education and Sports announced on Friday that all schools and tertiary centres of education will remain closed from April 22 to May 3 as part of government efforts to curb the Covid-19 outbreak.
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Lockdown Extended Until 03 May !
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has extended the current lockdown for Laos until 3 May 2020.
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Vientiane Focuses On Food Security Amid Covid-19 Pandemic
Authorities in Vientiane have taken steps to ensure food security amid the challenges posed by the Covid-19 outbreak, which has resulted in problems in transporting agricultural products from other provinces.
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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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Laos Goes To The Movies
Local filmmakers are starting to overcome financing and censorship constraints
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Govt Pledges Food Security During Outbreak Fears
There are sufficient imported sources of consumer goods to maintain food security Lao authorities have said.
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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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Vientiane Bus Suspends All Services
Vientiane State Bus Enterprise (VSBE) suspended its services on every route in Vientiane and to other provinces yesterday following the cancellation of international routes on March 23.
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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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Fuel Prices Drop Despite Concerns Over A Shortage Of Supply
Fuel prices fell on Monday morning in line with the trends in the world market even though people are worried about a shortage of supplies
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Vientiane Splashing 74 Billion Kip on Irrigation Improvements
VAFD is spending more than 74 billion kip on four irrigation projects to expand agricultural production for this year’s rainy season and better cope with natural disasters
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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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Lao Consumers Will Not Face Serious Food Shortages: Senior Economist
Lao consumers will not face serious food shortages as in other countries if the international supply chain is disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a senior economist.
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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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Northern Laos Province Closes 10 Border Crossings With Vietnam
Authorities in northern Laos’ Huaphan province on Sunday (March 15) called for the temporary closure of 10 traditional border crossings with Vietnam
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Laos Cancels Public Events Including Lao New Year Celebrations on COVID-19 Fears
Authorities in Laos are urging the public to suspend or postpone all “unnecessary” social events including weddings and Lao New Year celebrations in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Bangkok Airways announces flight suspensions VTE-BKK
Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited has announced a decrease in flight frequency as well as flight termination on certain domestic and international routes to be in line with current passenger demand.
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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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Economic Recession Possible In Laos Due To Covid-19
The first sector hit hard by the situation is tourism, followed by investment and trade.
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A Silent Epidemic? Experts Fear the Coronavirus Is Spreading Undetected in Southeast Asia
It’s not that these countries are getting lucky, says Marc Lipsitch, director of Harvard’s Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, and one of the study’s authors. “They’re missing infections.”
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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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Bananas Remain A Large Slice Of Laos’ Export Pie
Bananas continue to be a top earner among all agricultural products, earning revenue for local development, despite the government banning the creation of more plantations.
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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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Lao Airlines To Suspend Flights To South Korea
Source: Vientiane Times Laos’ national airline, the Lao Airlines State Enterprise, will suspend flights to the Republic of Korea beginning
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Road 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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Laos Ranked Third In Top Country Awards By UK Wanderlust Magazine
Source: The Star Laos has been named second runner-up in the Top Country rankings in the UK’s Wanderlust Reader Travel
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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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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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State Auditing Body Uncovers More Cases Of Financial Irregularity
The State Audit Organisation (SAO) inspected 104 state-funded projects and government bodies in 2019, exceeding its plan of 99, as financial irregularities continue to be detected.
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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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Laos To Face Drought Conditions In Next Two Months
Laos is likely to face an acute water shortage over the next two months as rivers continue to fall to lower-than-normal levels.
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Vientiane Opens Hotline To Report Fire Emergencies, Smoke Out Firebugs
Vientiane authorities have opened hotline number 1168, so the public can report fire emergencies and the illegal burning of garbage, rice fields and scrubland in and around the city.
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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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Private Schools In Laos Close On Fears Of Coronavirus
Several private schools, most in Laos’ capital Vientiane, have closed down as fears over the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus (nCoV)
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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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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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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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China’s Jinghong Dam Runs ‘Tests’ Dropping Water Levels in Downstream Laos
Equipment testing at China’s Jinghong Dam in the first week of January will reduce water it releases into the Mekong River by more than 50 percent
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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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Thailand Keen To Entice High-Income Lao Tourists
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will continue to push health and wellness tourism and shopping to draw high-income tourists from Laos.
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Friendship Border To Operate 24 Hours
Two land entry points – Nong Khai (between Thailand and Laos) and Sadao (between Thailand and Malaysia), will be open 24 hours a day for a three-month trial period.
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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.
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Laos 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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Thai Airways Sell One Pass One Price
Thai Airways International is offering a One Pass One Price Value Card Package for four economy class fares to destinations in the Mekong region
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Govt Plans To Recruit 2,000 New Civil Servants Next Year
The government plans to recruit 2,000 new civil servants in 2020, up from 1,500 new recruits this year.
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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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Water Provider Augments Supply From Nam Ngum River
The Vientiane Water Supply State Enterprise has placed pumps in the Nam Ngum river to feed the Dongmakkhai water treatment plant in Xaythany district
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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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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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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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Two Large Mekong River Dams in Laos to Start Operations by End of Year
The first two of five planned large-scale Lao dams on the Mekong river are set to go online before the end of this year, amid controversy over their impact on the environment and people’s livelihoods.
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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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FIFA President Infantino Makes First Visit To Laos
The new FIFA President and a delegation visited Laos yesterday with the aim of further developing football in the country in future.
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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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China’s Crackdown On Sugar Smuggling Leaves Global Storage Headache
A crackdown on sugar smuggling into China has left abundantly supplied markets in Asia and beyond struggling to absorb excess supplies, causing a wider storage problem for global markets.
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Lao Telecom Tests Out Brand New 5G Technology
Lao Telecommunications Public Company (Lao Telecom) has begun tests of the new 5G technology, the much-touted high-speed fifth generation communication network.
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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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Imported Rice Is Cheaper Than Rice Grown In Laos
The majority of Lao people eat sticky rice and it is the main staple of the Lao population throughout the country.
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Laos Becomes Party To Two More UN Treaties
The government has become a party to the United Nations Convention on Contracts for International Sales of Goods, hoping to use the law to protect its international trade interests.
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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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Govt Releases Stockpiled Rice To Lower Market Price
The government has approved the sale of 2,000 tonnes of stockpiled rice to bring down the high market price after a shortage of supply meant the price of rice rose by over 20 percent above normal.
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