Laos

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

The country is preparing to conduct its fifth population and housing census in March 2025, with a pilot test taking place in the capital Vientiane, Houaphanh, Bokeo and Sekong provinces, and will be the first digital census in the country

A new campaign to raise awareness and encourage young Lao students to wear helmets when riding motorbikes has been launched by the European Union Delegation in Laos in cooperation with UNICEF Laos, local car companies and the government

A forest carbon credit initiative is being launched by the government of Laos, in collaboration with AIDC Green Forest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from forest destruction and degradation

Laos's economic growth is facing continued challenges, with growth in 2023 estimated to remain below 2019 levels and expected to remain below in 2024 as well

The Bokeo Province State Water Supply Company has stirred controversy with a new regulation requiring households to pay LAK 10.000 (about $0,47) for each water bill receipt

A labor festival was organized In Vientiane to try to meet the urgent need to fill 560 positions in 56 companies at a time of employment crisis