Laos

Lao coffee, sustainably grown on the Bolaven Plateau, is earning global recognition; farmers use organic, shade-grown methods to preserve biodiversity and enhance quality; United Producer Lao Coffee is positioning coffee as a key export and cultural asset

The government held a meeting in Vientiane targeting Lao diaspora and descendants of Lao heritage; officials urged them to reconnect with their ancestral homeland and explore investment opportunities to support economic growth and strengthen cultural ties

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Laos, welcomed 1,7 million tourists in the first ten months of 2024, nearly doubling its target of 900.000; as peak season nears, officials expect figures to grow more and highlight the site's cultural appeal

An exhibition in Vientiane celebrates traditional Lao silk, showcasing over 100 textiles, some nearly 300 years old, crafted by local artisans; the event highlights Laos’s ethnic diversity and heritage in weaving, with live demonstrations of the craft

Luang Namtha will celebrate recognition as a national heritage site of Pha That Xieng Teung stupa’s, a buddhist place for meditation; the festival of cultural events, performances, markets will take place 9-15 November as part of the 2024 Visit Laos Year

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare announced a new minimum wage policy to support workers facing the economic challenges brought by the rising cost of living and the depreciation of the Laotian kip

Khammouane forest authorities have launched a new project to protect biodiversity and reduce poverty in the province by involving 600 farmers from three districts to help improve livelihoods and restore local vegetation

The 'Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics' system was launched with the aim of improving the management, use, protection and retrieval of citizens' information

To cope with rising cost of living the government is considering a proposal to increase company employees benefits; in July, inflation was reported at 26,10% and since May 2022 it has remained in the double digits and hit a peak of 41,26% in February 2023

The inauguration ceremony was held for the first meteorological tower in the village of Nathou, which will collect wind data crucial for evaluating wind farm projects in the region

Health and labour control centres will be set up to prevent occupational accidents and diseases by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, in cooperation with six hospitals in Vientiane

The critical issues related to water insecurity in rural areas have been indicated in a recent research by the Faculty of Public Health of the University of Health Sciences: poor water management has been identified as a significant factor

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%