Laos has continued to deepen ties with its long-standing partner China while promoting its investment potential in an attempt to realise its National Socio-Economic Development Plan 2026-2030.
Category: Laos
Laos and Belarus Forge Closer Economic Ties, Mineral Mining Investment Opportunities Explored
Laos and Belarus are set to implement their existing pledges into concrete projects, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on September 4.
Laos Deepens Tourism Outreach in Japan as Visitor Numbers Rise
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism formalised the initiative on August 17 by signing a Terms of Reference (TOR) with Jumping Tour Co., Ltd. at Muang Thanh Hotel in Vientiane. Under the three-year agreement, with a possible one-year extension, Jumping Tour CEO Shigeyoshi Abe will serve as the Laos’ Tourism Representative in Japan.
Vietnam, Laos Advances Defence Healthcare Cooperation Through Medical Training
On July 29, Vietnam and Laos agreed to expand military medical cooperation by strengthening personnel training, technology transfer and specialist healthcare programmes, reinforcing long-standing defence ties between the two countries.
Laos Begins Three-Month Buddhist Lent with Nationwide Temple Observances
On July 29, thousands of Buddhists visited temples across Laos to commemorate Boun Khao Phansa, the annual festival that marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent and the three-month Rains Retreat.
Laos-Thailand US$5bn Mekong Hydropower Project on Track for 2030 Power Generation
The Thai-Lao joint Luang Prabang Mekong Hydropower Project is reportedly 72% complete, as broadcast by municipal television on July 18 after both sides’ representatives inspected the site to assess construction progress.
Laos Faces Australian Criticism Over Backpacker Poisoning Case
On July 17, the Australian government criticised Laos over its handling of the investigation into the deaths of six foreign backpackers, including two Australians, who died after drinking methanol-contaminated alcohol in Vang Vieng in November 2024.
Laos Adopts 2027-2030 Rural Development Agenda, Reforms Treasury Rules to Fund It
The First Extraordinary Session on the 10th Lao National Assembly concluded its five-day session from July 6 to 10 with adoption of the 2027-2030 National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, alongside the approval of adjacent fiscal measures by near-unanimous vote. The Agenda sets out what Vientiane intends to deliver to the countryside by 2030, while the two finance laws govern the framework that will have to pay for it.
World Bank Forecasts Modest 3.8% Growth for Laos in 2026
On July 9, the World Bank published the June 2026 Laos Economic Monitor, revealing that the country’s economy will grow modestly at 3.8% in 2026.
Laos Recorded 2.1 Million Foreign Visitors in Early 2026
On July 6, Laos reported strong tourism growth during the first five months of 2026, welcoming more than 2.1 million international visitors, according to a government report presented at the First Extraordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly. The figure represents a year-on-year increase of 8% and reaches 47% of the country’s annual target of 4.46 million foreign arrivals.