Economic history and forecast for Laos

Laos’s economy lost some steam in 2015 due to weak global demand for commodities, which is still keeping rubber prices down and affecting farmers’ incomes. Commodity exports, especially mineral ores and rubber, are one of the main drivers of growth for Laos. 

The growing Lao economy needs to diversify beyond its natural resource base to create more jobs and improve the business environment for foreign and domestic investors, according to two new World Bank Group reports released today.

Laos is one of the Asia–Pacific region’s fastest-growing economies, albeit from a low base. The country has attempted to reform its trade and investment regimes, but non-tariff barriers exacerbated by regulatory inefficiency continue to constrain dynamic flows of goods and services.

This site provides a description of the various business types avaialble in Laos

Detailed registration and incorporation information for a new company

This site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Lao PDR.

This site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Lao PDR.

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Laos stands at 24 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in Laos averaged 25.67 percent from 2009 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 28 percent in 2011 and a record low of 24 percent in 2013. Personal Income Tax Rate in Laos is reported by the Ministry of Finance.

This site provides a personal income tax table

The Sales Tax Rate in Laos stands at 10 percent.

In the long-term, the Laos Sales Tax Rate | VAT is projected to trend around 10.00 percent in 2020, according to our econometric models.

The Corporate Tax Rate in Laos stands at 24 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Laos averaged 29.29 percent from 2009 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 35 percent in 2010 and a record low of 24 percent in 2013. Corporate Tax Rate in Laos is reported by the Ministry of Finance.

The standard rate of PT for companies in Lao PDR is 24% of net profit after adjustments for non-deductible expenses and others according to Lao Tax Law 2011. The 24% rate applies to both domestic and foreign investors.

See “Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements” on this page

Unless you hold a passport from Japan or one of the ASEAN member states, you’ll need a visa to enter Laos. The good news is that you probably won’t need to arrange it in advance; thirty-day visas are now available on arrival at most international borders. 

303 tips on getting to and getting around Laos from real travelers and locals.

21 transport options in Vientiane, Laos – including Avis, Northern Bus Station, and LaoAirlines.

Telecommunications in Laos are based on a network of telephone lines and radiotelephone communications in remote areas, as well as mobile phone infrastructure.

Although Lao PDR Internet services improved after 2010, by 2016 they still suffer from bandwidth limitations and congestion – as in many other countries. 

The official English translation of the Labour Law (amended 2006) in two parts.

This site list ammendments (as of 2014) to the labor law in Laos

This site provides an update on unemployment bemefits

Despite the growing influx of tourism, the cost of living in Laos still makes it one of the most attractive and affordable countries in Asia.

Guide to travel, doing business, and studying in Laos – culture, greetings, gestures,etiquette, protocol, negotiations, gift-giving, and more.

Laos is a very conservative place on a tight social leash. Education is low and generally people are not very worldly and are easily shocked. 

This site discusses the seasonal weather patterns in Laos plus the weekly forecast

Laos has a tropical monsoon climate, with a pronounced rainy season from May through October, a cool dry season from November through February, and a hot dry season in March and April.

Average prices of more than 40 products and services in Laos. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included.

This site discusses the demographic features of the population of Laos, includingpopulation density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population.

See “People and Society” on this site

Latest travel advice for Laos including safety and security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health

Travel advice from the Laos Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Laotian government has universal education in mind for all its citizens, and has embarked on a national program for building primary schools

This site provides a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Laos with fee information. The list includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools

Laos holidays 2016, bank holidays, national holidays, officialholiday calendar, religious festivals and celebrations for the year 2016

List of National and Public Holidays in Laos for the year 2016 and 2017 from January till December with weekday and date.

Customs regulations and procedures for importing and exporting goods at border.

Comprehensive guide to all import export issues for Laos

Details on the Laos trade agreement with the EC

This site provides key information on Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s participation in the WTO. Lao People’s Democratic Republic has been a member of WTO since 2 February 2013.

Hotel options in Laos

Recommendations for hotels and attractions in Laos

Laos, long a forgotten backwater, combines some of the best elements of Southeast Asia in one bite-sized destination.

Often overlooked in favour of its better-known neighbours, landlocked Laos remains one of Southeast Asia’s most beguiling destinations.