Laos Studies USD 1 Billion Vientiane-Lidu Industrial Park in Pakngum
On 13 August, Laos agreed to study the development of a new industrial park in Vientiane, with the proposed project expected to attract around USD 1 billion in investment.
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The feasibility study for the Vientiane-Lidu Industrial Park will cover 307 hectares across four villages in Pakngum district and is expected to take 24 months, officials reported.
The proposed industrial park would be divided into three areas.
Zone A spans 153 hectares across Natham and Phao villages and will host mineral processing plants, raw material storage, wastewater treatment facilities, and power infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Zone B covers 100 hectares in Nongdonng village and will focus on agricultural processing, including sorting and processing facilities alongside power and wastewater treatment systems. Zone C occupies 54 hectares in Donhai village and will hold administrative offices, warehouses, and worker accommodation.
The Vientiane-Lidu Industrial Park is the sixth feasibility study under Laos’ new 2025 industrial zone decree.The project shows Laos’ push to diversify beyond hydropower, mining, and agriculture by promoting industrial parks and special economic zones (SEZ).
Similar industrial development plans are also advancing elsewhere in Laos.
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Oudomxay is developing a 6,279-hectare clean-energy and aluminium zone, while a separate Vientiane-Pak Ngum industrial estate is underway with plans to attract over USD 165 million in investment and more than 100 companies.
SEZ Growth
So far, 21 SEZs have been approved across the country, attracting 2,041 companies with registered capital of over USD 41 billion and planned investment of more than USD 86 billion, according to Phonvanh Outhavong, Vice Minister of Finance.
She said SEZs have supported manufacturing, services and industrial growth in Laos, but performance remains uneven. Tax revenue in the Golden Triangle SEZ fell by 49 percent to USD 1.5 million after 551 businesses closed as authorities blame collection and tighter enforcement tax reforms to improve compliance.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/08/17/laos-studies-usd-1-billion-vientiane-lidu-industrial-park-in-pakngum/
