Australia Eyes Closer Economic Engagement with Laos
Business and economic connectivity is set to be one of the key drivers of growth between the two nations in upcoming years.
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Lao Economy
January Inflation Rate Soars to New High of 40.3%
Year-on-year inflation in Laos jumped to 40.3 percent in January, the highest rate in 23 years, according to the latest report from the Lao Statistics Bureau.
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5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge Connecting Bueng Kan with Bolikhamsai to Open in 2024
5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge connecting Bueng Kan with Bolikhamsai to open in 2024
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How To Register A Business: Laos Goes Online To Ease Start-Up Process
The steps needed to register a new business have now been posted online to ease business start-up, which will save time and simplify the process.
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Meat Prices Rise Further With No Sign Of A Fall
The price of beef, pork and farmed fish on sale in markets is continuing to rise, with no sign of a pending decrease given the weak kip and high inflation rate.
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No Progress On Northern Highway Sections, There Are Many Outstanding Tasks
Although its construction has been surveyed and studied for many years, the highway project has not progressed.
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More Money Needed For Payment Of Debt, Salaries, Development Schemes
The payment of government officials’ salaries, investment in development projects and repayment of debts constitute the largest portion of government expenditure allocated for 2023
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EDL Spells Out Measures To Resolve Debt Problems
The Reform Committee of Electricite du Laos (EDL) will roll out four measures aimed at resolving the company’s debt issues
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More Than 1,200 People Cross Laos-China Border In 2 Days
China has eased Covid-19 control measures after almost three years of travel restrictions
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Govt To Mobilise More Funds To Repay Debts, Address Fiscal Deficit
The government plans to mobilise 41.15 trillion kip to address the projected fiscal deficit and repay domestic and overseas loans by the end of 2023
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Despite High Economic Growth, Job Creation In Laos Remains Limited
Laos has recorded one of the highest rates of economic growth in South-East Asia over the past two decades, but few jobs have been created.
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Inflation In Laos Soars To Its Highest Rate At 39.27% In December
In December 2022, Laos set a new record for the highest inflation rate of the year
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Laos Sets Economic Growth Target Of 4.5% For 2023
Despite the global economic downturn, the National Assembly of Laos has set an economic growth target of at least 4.5% for 2023
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Govt Eyes 14.6% Revenue Increase From Tariff-Fees In 2023
To achieve this goal, the Ministry of Finance has pledged to modernise customs management systems at the main border checkpoints as part of efforts to plug loopholes resulting in financial leaks
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China To Scrap COVID Quarantine Rule For Inbound Travellers
China will stop requiring inbound travellers to go into quarantine starting from Jan. 8
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Laos Allows Entry Of Travellers Without Covid-19 ATK Test
The issuing of the notification was attributed to many reasons, such as the unfolding situation of Covid-19 in Laos and neighbouring countries, as well as globally
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Straw Hut Village Is New Tourist Attraction in Muang Fuang
A straw hut village has opened in Meuang Feuang district, Vientiane province, as a new tourist attraction in this increasingly popular bucolic riverside retreat
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Govt Eyes Tighter Regulation Of E-Commerce With Eye To Increased Revenue
The government is looking at ways to derive more financial benefit from e-commerce, hoping to better manage and develop this form of business in order to earn more revenue.
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Laos’ Inflation To Fall Sharply In 2023: ADB
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has forecast that the inflation in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) will average 23% in 2022 before falling to 10% in 2023
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Gov’t Targets Reduced Inflation Rate Of 9 Percent In 2023
Skyrocketing inflation is causing great hardship and people are desperately wondering how they can survive as prices across all categories hit record highs.
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Improve Key Factors To Boost Tourism Industry, Economist Suggests
“Most importantly, more inbound flights should be started and the number of countries eligible for visa-free travel should be increased.”
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Southeast Asia’s Russian Dilemma As Summits Loom
Southeast Asian countries look set to maintain ties with Russia as a trio of global summits loom, despite United States-led efforts to isolate Moscow over its Ukraine invasion
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China Remains Laos’s Largest Export Market
The main exports included copper, rubber, bananas, cassava and other agricultural products
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Lao Farm Products To Hit Shanghai Markets Under CIIE Deal
China has become a key export market for Lao goods, especially agricultural produce, following the opening of the Laos-China Railway at the end of 2021.
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Inflation Rate Jumps To 36.75 Percent In October
The price of food and non-alcoholic beverages has surged by 38.8 percent year-on-year, driven by the rising price of rice and other daily food items such as pork, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, vegetable oil, fruit and vegetables
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Are Laos’ New Railways A Solution To Its Lack Of Trade With The West?
Transport costs are not the only problem facing the country, but reducing them could help spur progress in other areas.
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New Freight Station On The Laos-China Railway in Oudomxay Province Is Set To Boost Regional Trade
All seven freight stations on the Laos-China Railway are now operational following the opening of Xay station in Oudomxay province on Tuesday.
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Thailand Looking To Benefit From Spill Over Of Laos China Rail Link
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) believes that about 3 million Chinese tourists may use the almost 423 km long electrified railway that runs between the Lao capital of Vientiane and Boten town in northern Laos bordering China.
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Travel Magazine Cites Laos As One Of Top Places To Visit
Laos was listed behind Norway, Malé, Los Angeles, Slovenia and Barbados, which all got special mention at www.wanderlust.co.uk.
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Spiraling Inflation Forces Lao People To Cut Expenses
Residents in Lao capital tighten their belts by giving up buying trendy things, spending money wisely, growing vegetables and using domestic products to beat the spiraling inflation which hit a 22-year high in September.
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Laos, S. Korea Partner In Employment Of Lao Nationals In Seasonal Agriculture
Laos & S. Korea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in relation to the dispatch of Lao nationals for seasonal employment in agriculture and fishery in Korea
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Health Ministry Admits Low Uptake Of Covid Booster Shots
Although 72 percent of the population have had two Covid vaccinations, only 14 percent have had a booster dose, the Ministry of Health has revealed.
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Brighter Future For Tourism As Visitor Numbers Soar
Statistics show the average visitor on a group tour stays for 2.5 days and spends about US$45 per day. In contrast, an individual visitor stays …
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Money Exchange Units Banned From Selling Foreign Currency
Under the new policy, money changers will be allowed to buy foreign currencies from customers but are forbidden to sell currencies other than kip
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ADB Projects Steady Recovery For Lao Economy In 2023
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) believes the Lao economy will see a gradual recovery next year, supported by new investment and higher renewable energy and mining output.
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Companies Plan To Hire More Employees In 2023: Survey
The survey indicates that businesses main need are for accountants, followed by sales staff.
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Lao Economy Projected To Grow At Only 2.2 Percent This Year: IMF
The IMF’s downgraded growth for Laos is linked to both external and internal factors, with the report forecasting that global growth will decrease from 6.0 percent in 2021 to 3.2 percent in 2022 and 2.7 percent in 2023.
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50 Percent Of World’s Poorest Need Debt Relief To Prevent Major Crisis
Fifty-four developing economies, including Laos, that account for more than half of the world’s poorest people need urgent debt relief as a result of cascading global crises
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Inflation In Laos Hits 22-Year High
Inflation rate in Laos surged from 30.01% in August, 2022, to 34% in September
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First-Ever Cryptocurrency Business Kicks Off In Laos
The bitqik platform provides full brokerage and trading services in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, both within Laos and the region.
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World Trade Growth To Slow Sharply In 2023
World trade is expected to lose momentum in the second half of 2022 and remain subdued in 2023, as multiple shocks weigh on the global economy
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Weak Kip Harming Lao Economy
The currency devaluation is having a damaging effect on the Lao economy, driving up the price of products and creating more hardship for the poor.
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Lao Coffee Brand Wins Asian Award
Lao Mountain Coffee’s peaberry blend has won first place in the Continental Awards for Asia coffee competition.
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Laos-China Railway To Operate Normal-Speed Train Soon
The Laos-China Railway plans to begin operating ordinary train service to ease the rising demand for train travel, especially at the weekend.
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21 Dead, Over 26,000 Infected With Dengue In Laos Since January
The 21 deaths included six in Attapeu, five in Vientiane, three each in Luang Namtha and Saravan, two in Xieng Khuang, and one each in Sekong and Oudomxay province.
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Some 700 Malaysians Trapped In Laos After Answering Casino Job Ads
Some 700 Malaysians are reportedly being held captive in Bokeo province, Laos and have been abused by the resort managers who are allegedly demanding a large ransom for their release
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Thailand Fully Reopens From 1st October
Vaccination proof/ATK test result no longer needed, while period of stay in the kingdom is extended to 45 days for tourists entitled to visa exemption and to 30 days for Visa on Arrival.
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Slower Growth Projected For Lao Economy: World Bank
Economic performance in Laos could be compromised by slowing global demand, rising debt, and a reliance on short-term economic fixes to cushion against food and fuel price increases
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Govt Pledges To Tackle Public Debt, Price Increases
The government has vowed to further address mounting public debt and the vulnerability of the macroeconomy to prevent the country from being dragged into default.
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Laos, Thailand, China To Build New Railway Bridge For Freight
Laos, Thailand, and China are thinking about building a new railway bridge, running parallel to the first Lao-Thai friendship bridge
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Economic Recovery In Laos Delayed Due To Rising Prices, Supply Disruptions: ADB
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered its 2022 economic growth outlook for Laos to 2.5 percent from 3.4 percent projected in April and to 3.5 percent from 3.7 percent for 2023.
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PTT Focuses On Sustaining Its Business Operations
The company’s policy is linked to the unfavourable global economic outlook and continuing depreciation of the kip, which are impacting on businesses in Laos.
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Rail Operator To Provide Overnight Parking At Vientiane Station
The Laos-China Railway Company Limited has announced that it will provide overnight parking and toilet facilities at the station in Vientiane.
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Laos Limits High-Ranking Government Officials To Only 2 State-Owned Vehicles
Prime Ministerial Decree 599 demands excess vehicles be returned in push to rein in corruption.
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Low Income Earners Concerned About Food Expenses
People with low incomes across the country are concerned about their growing expenses on food following a steep rise in the prices of agricultural and food products.
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Innovation Through Collaboration
DiscoverLaos and J&C Group have recently formed a new strategic partnership
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Laos-China Rail A Boon For Thais
Cross-border tourism flows increase, and fresh goods exports find new markets
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Major Thai Agencies Predicting Repeat of Bangkok’s “2011 Great Flood” – City Will Disappear Altogether By 2100 Unless Govt Acts
Some of the direst warnings in more than a decade have been issued from two major Thai sources regarding severe flooding this year in Bangkok, the Thai capital.
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Claims Of Default In Laos Are Bankrupt
Geo-economic factors mean that the concerns about Laos defaulting are unrealistic.
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Ride-Hailing Firm’s EV Answer To Inflation In Laos
“The EV is one of the keys to fight inflation,” Loca chief executive Souliyo Vongdala tells the Straits Times.
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Lao Commerce Ministry Registers Rise In New Businesses
Retail and wholesale outlets together with car and motorbike repair businesses accounted for 29.4 percent of all new business registrations in the first six months of 2022.
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Thousands Affected By Floods In The North
Thousands of people in northern areas of Laos are suffering after rivers flooded following several days of heavy rain.
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Laos Meets Target Of Vaccinating 80% Of Population Against Covid-19
Source: TheStar A total of 5,885,061 Lao people have had one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, equaling 80.2 per cent
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Laos’ Trade Deficit Reaches US$114 Million In July
The main importing countries of Laos include Thailand, China, Vietnam, the United States, and Japan.
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Laos Welcomes 42,197 Tourists In First Six Months Of 2022
Laos has seen a surge in the number of visitors following the lifting of travel restrictions in January as the Covid-19 pandemic subsided.
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Lao Govt Approves Tax Cut On Diesel To Ease High Prices
Removal of the excise tax charged on diesel is in response to a request from fuel businesses and importers, who are struggling source sufficient funds to buy fuel.
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Inflation In Laos Rises To 25.6 Pct In July
The higher prices of fuel and consumer goods and the continuing depreciation of the Lao currency kip are among the main factors driving the inflation.
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Govt Fights Extravagance, Promotes Frugal Spending
The government has outlined measures to reduce extravagance and promote austerity, to cut waste and ensure effective use of the state budget for the intended purpose and the maximum benefit of the nation.
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Vangvieng Takes Steps To Address Complaints Around Overpricing
As tourists return to Laos, with many coming from Thailand, there have been complaints about the high prices charged at some hotels, guesthouses and restaurants.
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Association: Fuel Supply Will Be Normalised In The Near Future
The government is holding talks with the Lao Fuel and Gas Association over the possibility of importing another shipment of fuel, as it is expected that current stocks will be depleted by the end of this month,
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Lao Migrant Workers Send Home Millions Of Dollar This Year
During the first six months of this year, Lao nationals working in other countries transferred millions of US dollar in remittances to Laos, with most of the money going to their parents.
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Laos Plans To Import Fuel From Saudi Arabia
The Lao government is committed to ensuring that sufficient supplies of fuel are provided to meet public demand and boost economic growth after a countrywide fuel shortage in May and June caused widespread disruption.
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Laos Among Countries With Highest Inflation In SE Asia
Laos has one of the highest inflation rates in the region, with the price rise recorded 23.6 percent year-on-year in June, according to ADB
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Will Laos Be Sanctioned For Embracing Russia?
The West has pressed Laos to ditch Russia and support its sanctions but the SE Asian nation has stayed true to its old Cold War ally
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Govt Pledges To Stabilise Macro Economy
The government pledged to ensure sufficient fuel is available by pursuing market-based mechanisms, saying this would minimise damage to the economy and small-scale commercial production.
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Just Scan To Pay: S’pore And 4 SEA Countries To Link QR Code Payments By Nov, Bypassing USD
The central banks of five Southeast Asian (SEA) countries have agreed to link their payment systems by November of this year, in order to allow for easier transactions for travellers within the region.
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People Call For Steps To Prevent Cheating Of Tourists In Luang Prabang
A number of Lao social media users have called on authorities to take immediate action to prevent the cheating of foreign visitors by some vendors at popular tourist destinations such as Luang Prabang.
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Soaring Prices Put Squeeze On Low-Wage Earners
The year-on-year inflation rate hit 23.6 percent, the highest figure ever recorded since May 2000.
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Developing Asia’s Economic Outlook Downgraded As China Growth Slows
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered its economic growth forecast for developing Asia including Laos to 4.6 percent this year, from 5.2 percent projected in April.
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Chinese Investors Buy Up More Land In Laos
Land surrounding a new railway station in the capital is in high demand, sources say.
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Laos To Raise Minimum Wage From August 1
The monthly minimum wage in the country will be increased to 1.2 million kip (US$78) starting on August 1.
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Why China Can’t Let Laos Default
Laos faces intensifying economic and financial crises and there is likely no way out without some form of a Chinese bailout or debt forgiveness.
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Lao Fishermen Return To Malaysia, Despite Risks
Few of the fishermen are there legally, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation
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Inflation Hits 22-Year High Of 23.6 Percent
The inflation rate in Laos hit 23.6 percent year-on-year in June, the highest figure ever recorded since May 2000 as surging prices of energy and consumer goods continue to deepen hardship and create new pains for the Lao public.
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PM: Govt Mulls Curbs On Imports To Save Foreign Currency
The premier said changes to the quantity of vehicles, alcoholic beverages and other imported luxury items would be considered, so that shrinking foreign currency reserves could be kept for essential goods.
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Laos Gives Green Light For Investment In EVs
The government’s policy for promoting EVs includes zero percent tariffs, an excise tax of only three percent and a value-added tax of seven percent in order to lower the prices of EVs
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Thailand Pass, Covid Insurance To End July 1
Thailand Pass registration and compulsory Covid-19 insurance will be lifted for all people arriving in Thailand from July 1
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Looming Debt Crunch Positions Laos As Next Possible Asia Default
Source: Bloomberg Laos, with dwindling cash reserves and surging inflation, is facing some of the same strains that pushed Sri
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Govt Eyes 4.4 Percent GDP Growth Despite Economic Woes
The Lao government will aim for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of at least 4.4 percent over the last six months of this year
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State Enterprise Reform: Some Now Profitable, Others Dissolved
Two banks previously owned by the state and which suffered chronic losses have begun making a profit following major reforms that saw a 70 percent stake in the banks sold to local investors
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Surge In Travel From Laos
More than 2,000 Lao people are arriving in Nong Khai province every day after the Thai-Laos border checkpoint reopened.
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China-Laos Railway Extending Through To Thailand
Expansion of the route makes Thailand a ‘China Plus One’ Option
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Laos On Alert For Monkeypox Among Tourists
Lao health authorities are monitoring tourists for cases of monkeypox, following a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) that cases of the disease have emerged in several countries.
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Traffic Slow At Main Vientiane-Thailand Border Crossing
Few people have crossed the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane to Nong Khai province in Thailand since the government reopened all international border crossings on May 9.
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Thailand Pass Remains in Place
Foreigners are still required to download Thailand Pass prior to entering Thailand
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As Borders Reopen, Labor Shortage Looms In Laos’ SEZs
Lao workers are returning to Thailand where they can make more money.
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Lao Economy Grinding To A Halt As Fuel Crisis Deepens
A plummeting currency, dwindling foreign reserves, and a spike in global oil prices have led to shortages across the country.
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Businesses And People Hit By Depreciating Local Currency
The value of the Lao kip has dropped significantly since last year against the backdrop of volatility in the global fuel market due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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Thai Border Checkpoints Ready For Laos Reopening Today
Thai authorities are preparing for border reopening with Laos after the neighbouring country lifts entry restrictions from Monday.
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Laos Announces Full Reopening Starting May 9
The government has announced that all international border crossings will reopen, so that Lao and foreign nationals, well as stateless people, can enter and exit Laos freely.
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Covid-19 Cases In Laos Surpass 200,000 But Infections Are On A Downward Trend Despite Festive Season
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control reported in an announcement yesterday that the Covid-19 situation had not been dramatically affected by new year celebrations.
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Govt Agrees In Principle To Raise Minimum Wage
The government has agreed in principle to increase the minimum wage in a bid to ease the hardships suffered by many people amid the rising cost of living.
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Almost 100 Percent Vaccination Coverage In Tourism Zones
A total of 99.67 percent of people living in areas of the country designated by the government as Tourism Green Zones have been vaccinated against Covid
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Laos Records Trade Surplus Of US$100 mn In March
Laos registered record two-way trade of US$1,100 million, including exports of US$600 million and imports worth approximately US$500 million, in March, resulting in a trade surplus of US$100 million.
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Price Of Imported Goods Soars To Record High
The cost of imported household goods surged by 15-50 percent in April compared to the figure recorded in January
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Laos Issues Tax Obligations for Non-Resident E-commerce and Digital Platform Providers, Joins Other ASEAN Markets
Under the new rules, non-resident e-commerce and digital platform providers must register for a tax identification number (TIN) via an online portal to file and pay their taxes. Further, they must register and pay value-added tax (VAT) if their annual revenue meets a certain threshold.
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Inflation Jumps To Record High
The year-on-year inflation rate in Laos surged 8.5 percent in March, even more than expected, and rose to the highest figure recorded since January 2016.
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Govt To Mull Cut In Excise Tax To Reduce Price Of Fuel
The government will consider cutting or even waiving excise tax on the price of imported oil, to reduce skyrocketing prices at petrol stations.
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World Bank Downgrades Lao Economic Growth Rate To 3.8 Percent
Laos’ economy is projected to expand by 3.8 percent in 2022, down from the 4.5 percent growth rate predicted in October last year, and 3.3 percent in the downside scenario, according to the World Bank’s latest report.
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Lao Govt Mulls Full Reopening For Foreign Tourists
The government is mulling full reopening of the country to foreign tourists after piloting the first phase of partial reopening for targeted groups of visitors.
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Low Minimum Wage Causing A Worker Shortage
The Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) has called on businesses, including garment factories, to pay workers the increased minimum wage, which rises from 1,100,000 kip to 1,500,000 kip per month this year.
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EDL Suffers Electricity Theft Worth 200 Billion Kip
Electricite du Laos (EDL) lost more than 200 million kip last year due to illegally modified electricity meters and other forms of electricity theft.
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Govt To Slash Fuel Prices
To reduce the pressure of rising food prices, the government will cut the cost of fuel by 650 kip per litre for premium fuel, 540 kip per litre for regular fuel and 610 kip per litre for diesel
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Inflation In Laos Higher Than GDP Growth
Inflation in Laos has surged higher than the projected rate for the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), sparking fears among many people regarding the impact on their living standards.
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Laos Fragrance Brand Scents Success In Hugely Competitive Market
Laos’ first perfume brand HSMM Fragrance launched two new scents – “Lady of Lao” and “Black Intense” – at the 2021 Outstanding Entrepreneurs “Made in Laos” Award ceremony held in Vientiane la
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Labour Ministry To Set Up Worker Database
A Labour Registration and Data Platform will be set up in Vientiane for the compilation of information concerning both Lao and foreign nationals working in Laos.
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Rail Operator Opens Ticket Office In Luang Prabang
Laos-China Railway Company Limited opened a ticket office in Luang Prabang city on Thursday, giving rail passengers an option to queueing for tickets at the station.
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Work On Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway Expected To Start In November
The railway, estimated to cost US$5 billion, is a proposed line that the Lao and Vietnamese governments have agreed to jointly develop. It would enable landlocked Laos to access the deep seaport – the closest feasible seaport to Vientiane.
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Global Fuel Price Hike Affecting Oil Supply In Laos
The rise in price of imported fuel means that retail prices in Laos will inevitably continue to rise.
The price of oil is factored into the cost of production, meaning that product prices will also rise.
Laos Power Plant Deals In The Pipeline
Developers and operators of four hydroelectric power plants in Laos will sign power purchase agreements with energy policymakers in Laos and Thailand within May under a plan to promote more renewable energy.
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Fuel Price Hike Impacts Flights, Regular Transport Services Unchanged
Lao Airlines – the national flag carrier – has decreased domestic flights to balance its revenues and expenditure.
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Laos Face Third Wave Of COVID-19
A rise in cases of the Omicron variant, particularly in Vientiane, may be causing the country to experience its third wave
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Measures To Free Stranded Trucks, Rail Transport To China Outlined
Lao authorities will ask their Chinese counterparts to consider reopening more border crossings to allow trucks carrying goods to enter China as hundreds remain stranded at the Boten-Mohan crossing on the Laos-China border.
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Lao Govt Sets Ambitious Trade Surplus Target
The government is aiming for a trade surplus of at least US$1.55 billion this year, despite the country’s economic difficulties triggered by the Covid pandemic.
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Almost 70 Percent Of Population Have Had First Covid Jab
A total of 5,940,724 people had received a first dose of a Covid vaccine, equal to 69.43 percent of the population
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Minimum Wage Hike Still Problematic
Attempts to increase the minimum wage are meeting with resistance because of the impacts on businesses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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New Affordable Treatment Available For Covid In Laos
A drug to treat Covid-19 in Laos will soon be available in the form of Molacovir, at a relatively cheap price and with guaranteed quality.
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Laos’ Expensive Gamble On Electricity May Dim Its Economic Future
Laos took on huge debt to become the “Battery of Southeast Asia,” but sales are not as robust as hoped.
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Ukraine Crisis Clouds Southeast Asia’s Fragile Tourism Recovery
Travel industry figures fear the war in Ukraine could derail the much-anticipated recovery of tourism-dependent economies in Southeast Asia just as COVID-19 travel restrictions are finally being lifted across the region.
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Vientiane’s Businesswomen To Back Economic Recovery By Hosting Carnival
The Vientiane Women’s Union plans to contribute to the nation’s economic recovery amid economic and financial difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic by organising its first carnival.
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Rail Operator Spells Out Process For Ticket Purchase
Passengers on the Laos-China Railway may purchase only two tickets at a time and must present their ID card and Covid-19 vaccination certificate when buying tickets at the new sales outlet in the city centre
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Inflation Rate In Laos Hits Highest Point In 2 Years
The year-on-year inflation rate in Laos jumped to 6.25 percent in January, the highest figure recorded since January 2020.
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Laos And Thailand Agree To Reopen Border
The decision was made after Lao ambassador to Thailand Seng Soukhathivong paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to mark the occasion of his 4.5 years at Government House.
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Laos-China Railway To Operate Additional Train
The Laos-China Railway Company has announced it will operate a slower-speed train in addition to the two existing high-speed EMU trains to meet the growing needs of passengers.
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Train Tickets To Go On Sale At Vientiane Center, Online Sale Planned
Tickets for travel on the Laos-China Railway will soon go on sale at the Vientiane Center
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Rising Inflation Sparks Public Concern
In the past 42 days, fuel prices have risen four times, causing heated debate among members of the public who are increasingly concerned about the spiralling cost of consumer goods.
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Laos Records Trade Surplus Of US$41 Million In January
Laos recorded a trade surplus of US$41 million in the first month of this year, with China continuing to be the country’s largest export market.
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Rail Operator Asks For Government’s Help To Resolve Problems
LCRC also asked the government to counter negative publicity concerning the railway as well as for assistance with other issues
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China And Russia Position Themselves For Laos’ Fast-Approaching Post-LDC Era
Source: EAF Despite closed international borders and rolling lockdowns due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the Lao People’s
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Huge Truck Backlog At Chinese Border Due To Covid Screening
Hundreds of trucks loaded with goods are stranded at the Boten-Mohan crossing on the Laos-China border, with strict Covid screening procedures causing long delays.
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Laos Recorded Trade Surplus Of US$1 billion In 2021
China topped the list of five main countries for exports with a figure of US$ 2,221 million, and the others were Thailand (US$ 2,187 million), Vietnam (US$ 1,220 million), Australia (US$ 348 million), and Switzerland (US$ 116 million).
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Laos Has Second Highest Inflation Rate In Asean
Laos is suffering from one of the highest inflation rates in the region, raising concerns as the population suffers from financial hardship
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Laos To Raise Monthly Minimum Wage To $134
Policymakers in Laos are studying a proposal to rise the country’s minimum wage as inflation and an increasing cost of living bites particularly low-earners
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Inflation In Laos Jumps To Highest Point In 15 Months
The prices of goods and services in Laos continue to rise at a rate unseen since August 2020, increasing by 5.27 percent in December last year when compared to the figures for the same period in 2020.
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Govt Vows To Slash Red Tape, Boost Revenue
The government has pledged to remove barriers that hinder business operations in Laos while speeding up bitcoin mining by authorised companies.
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Schools Prepare To Resume Face-To-Face Classes
Education authorities are assessing the readiness of schools in Vientiane to restart face-to-face classes in Grade 5 of primary schools and Grades 4 and 7 of secondary schools following months of closure due to the Covid outbreak.
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Ministry Eases Requirements For Discharged Covid-19 Patients
Health authorities have lifted restrictions on Covid-19 patients following discharge from hospital, allowing them to resume their lives without further testing or isolation.
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World Bank Optimistic About Growth Of Lao Economy
The World Bank has predicted that Laos will see economic growth of 4.5 percent in 2022 and 4.8 percent in 2023 despite projected slower growth of the global economy.
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Laos Sees Rise In Trade Value, But Deficit Persists
The total value of goods imported and exported by Laos in December rose to over US$1.1 billion
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Covid Claims 421 Lives In 2021
Health authorities say that 421 people died from Covid related causes last year and that more than 100,000 people contracted the virus.
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Health Ministry Targets 87.25 Percent Covid Immunisation By Year’s End
Health officials are speeding up the Covid vaccination programme, aiming to vaccinate 87.25 percent of the population by the end of this year.
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Laos Detects 1st Case Of Omicron Variant
The Omicron variant has been detected in a passenger arriving on flight AK7552 from Malaysia on Sunday.
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Laos Records A Trade Deficit Of US$131 Million In November
The Lao PDR’s international trade volume for November reached US$912 million with exports valued at US$390 million and imports estimated at US$521 million
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Govt To Remove Difficulties Hampering Exports To China
The pandemic has led to Chinese authorities putting in place strict measures to monitor drivers and cargo bound for China. This has resulted in thousands of cargo vehicles on both sides of the border facing long waits.
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PM’s Office Approves Resumption Of Tourism On January 1
The Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday officially set January 1 as the start of the resumption of tourism in Laos and approved an action plan on the designation of green travel zones where tourists will be protected against Covid-19.
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Lao Economy Expected To Grow 4.2 Percent Next Year
The Lao economy is projected to grow by 4.2 percent in 2022, driven by commercial production for exports and opportunities and benefits arising from the Laos-China Railway.
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Laos Records Trade Deficit Of US$336 Million
Despite racking up a trade deficit of US$336 million in the first 11 eleven months of 2021, the government is hopeful that its planned trade targets will be reached by the end of year.
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Govt Appoints Committee To Prepare For Return Of Tourists
The committee will formulate procedures to facilitate the return of tourists and their travel within Laos, including immigration regulations and the electronic tracking of visitors following their arrival.
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Domestic Rail Services To Begin On December 4
To begin with, tickets will be on sale at railway stations but will not be available online, and travel will be limited to destinations within Laos because of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak
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Govt In Need Of Massive Financial Support
The government will require 18.7 trillion kip (US$1.8 billion) to address the projected fiscal deficit and repay domestic and overseas loans by the end of this year
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Laos’ Trade Deficit Exceeds US$45 Million In October
Laos registered a record monthly trade deficit of US$45 million in October, when total two-way trade was worth US$819 million
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Boten Border Crossing Reopens For 3-Day Test Run
Chinese authorities have reopened the border crossing from Boten into China for a three-day test run
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Covid-19 Measures Eased For Schools, Businesses
Covid-19-related restrictions were eased to allow schools at all levels across the country to reopen
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Health Ministry Issues Guidelines On Self-Isolation At Home
Health authorities are advising people with Covid-19 who have mild or no symptoms to self-isolate at home instead of going to a hospital
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Year-On-Year Inflation Rate Hit 4.17 Percent In September
Laos saw the year-on-year inflation rate moving up from 3.81 percent in August to 4.17 percent in September
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Laos, Thailand Keen To Reopen Land Border, Boost Connectivity
Laos and Thailand have agreed to set up a working committee to further discuss details and regulations concerning the reopening of their shared land border.
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Long Lines Form At The Pumps As Laos Runs Low On Gas
Filling stations began to post signs reading “No Gas” or “Temporarily Closed” around Nov. 1, and supplies have fallen since
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Govt To Push Businesses To Boost Production For Chinese Market
The government is set to hold talks with business operators to encourage them to produce more of the goods required by Chinese buyers
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Govt Extends Covid Controls But Keen To Open Schools, Factories
The government has in general extended Covid-19 control measures for another 15 days but has lifted some restrictions in order to ease the economic impacts, such as the reopening of more schools and factories.
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Laos’ Economy To Grow At Only 2.1 Percent This Year: IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is projecting that Laos will see economic growth of just 2.1 percent this year, down from the 4.7 percent growth rate predicted in April.
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Trade Union Body To Seek Hike In Minimum Wage
The Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) plans to ask the government to approve an increase in the monthly minimum wage from 1.1 million kip to 1.3 million or 1.5 million kip.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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PM Confirms Laos-China Railway To Open On December 2
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh said on Wednesday that the Laos-China Railway will open on December 2 – the day when the Lao PDR will celebrate its 46th anniversary.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Laos Sets Out Rules for Securing Investment Promotion Incentives
Laos has issued important new guidelines on obtaining investment promotion incentives in the country.
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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.
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