Despite several environmental groups reporting fears of serious damage to the Mekong ecosystem and local people's livelihoods, the country will supply electricity from three hydropower projects to Thailand

As of 1 August, digital platforms such as Google, Facebook and Amazon will charge a 10% value-added tax to customers in Laos, following the VAT increase from 7%

In response to persistent flooding in Vientiane during the rainy season, comprehensive measures are in place to mitigate the damage; flooding is due to city's rapid expansion, unregulated construction, improper land filling and changing weather patterns

Several provinces in Laos have started testing new public transport services with 'green buses', aimed at improving local infrastructure and reducing traffic congestion in agreement with South Korean company Booyoung Lao Company Limited

State Inspection Authority identified development and investment projects, particularly roads and bridges, as primary sources of fraud, notice the loss of large sums of money to corruption