Attapeu province’s economy expanded by 2.81 percent in the first half of 2025, but authorities say more work is needed to meet the full-year target of 5.4 percent.
Deputy Governor Thanouxay Banxalith reported the figures during the 9th Ordinary Session of the 2nd Provincial People’s Council on 7 August, noting that the province’s total economy is currently valued at about LAK 1,922 billion (USD 88.4 million), or roughly a quarter of the year’s goal.
Thanouxay said the average annual income per person in Attapeu now stands at LAK 21.9 million (USD 1,007). While some sectors have shown promising results, others are falling behind expectations, requiring stronger coordination in the months ahead.
Agriculture and Industry Lead Growth
According to the official, agriculture and forestry remain the province’s primary growth drivers, expanding by 3.64 percent and contributing 49.47 percent of total GDP. Dry-season rice production reached 63 percent of the annual target, with yields averaging 3 tonnes per hectare and totaling 1,519 tonnes.
Other dry-season crops achieved 56 percent of the goal, while meat, fish, and egg production stood at 52 percent. Cash crops such as watermelon, tobacco, cassava, and coffee also made notable contributions.
Industry grew by 1.85 percent, accounting for 22.32 percent of GDP. Thanouxay reported that processed goods were valued at LAK 513 billion (USD 23.5 million), reaching 20 percent of the annual target.
Electricity generation exceeded 2,196 gigawatt-hours, bringing in over USD 113 million, THB 10 billion, and LAK 14 billion in revenue. Mining also continued to play an important role, with active extraction of gold, silver, iron ore, and bauxite.
Services and Tourism Lag Behind
The provincial deputy governor noted that the services sector saw the slowest growth, at just 1.33 percent, making up 28.2 percent of GDP. Trade value surpassed LAK 8 trillion (USD 368 million), achieving 48 percent of the yearly target.
Tourism welcomed 71,677 visitors in the first six months of the year, which is 47 percent of the annual goal. Revenue from tourism reached LAK 33 billion (USD 1.51 million), or 52 percent of the yearly projection, according to the deputy governor.
To close the gap and meet the 2025 growth target, Thanouxay called for stronger collaboration between sectors, timely project implementation, and effective execution of policies outlined in the province’s socio-economic development plan.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/11/attapeus-economy-grows-2-8-in-first-half-of-2025/
Laos Recognizes Ho Chi Minh Trail Sites as National Heritage
Laos has officially recognized the Phou Luang–Ho Chi Minh Trail sites on its territory as national heritage, highlighting their role in the shared history of Laos and Vietnam.
A ceremony took place on 22 August at the General Club of the Ministry of National Defense in Vientiane. During the event, Deputy Minister of Defense Vongsone Inpanphim outlined the results of a joint Lao–Vietnamese survey carried out since late 2023.
The survey documented sections of the trail running through Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Salavan, Sekong, Champasak, and Attapeu provinces.
In total, 18 locations were identified as significant sites linked to the trail and to cooperation between Laos and Vietnam during the Indochina wars.
Following the survey, Vietnam published a book on the relics in both Lao and Vietnamese. Laos also released 18 publications, including history books, photo collections, and maps showing the sites.
Vongsone noted that the trail was not only a military and supply route, but also a stronghold that supported the struggles of the Lao, Vietnamese, and Cambodian people.
He said its recognition as heritage reflects its role as both a battlefield route and a lasting symbol of unity between Laos and Vietnam.
The recognition follows an agreement between the two governments to set up a joint committee under their Ministries of National Defense to survey and preserve the sites.
Work began in 2023 and was completed in 2024, leading to the official listing of the sites as national heritage. Officials say the recognition will help preserve the trail’s legacy for future generations and strengthen historical ties between the two nations.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/23/laos-recognizes-ho-chi-minh-trail-sites-as-national-heritage/
Laos Set to Export 120 Tons of Roselle to South Korea
Laos is on track to export 120 tons of roselle to South Korea, with plans to expand commercial cultivation to include black and white sesame, large onions, and others related for the Korean market.
On 14 August, the Lao Agricultural Business Association (LABA) officially launched the project.
LABA and the Korean company signed a key export agreement valued at LAK 16.2 billion (approximately USD 771,000). Additional crops will be introduced in the future.
LABA Vice President Khanthong Siphasert highlighted the project’s innovative “four-way” collaborative model, which strategically connects producers, processors, suppliers, government institutions, financial organizations, and international buyers.
He emphasized that the initiative not only boosts exports but also provides technical guidance, market insights, and investment opportunities for all participants.
So far 2025, LABA expanded the roselle cultivation project to cover six key areas, totaling 2.135 hectares.
According to the vice president, roselle is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and ready to harvest in 110 days with high yields.
Its vitamin C-rich, ruby-red fruit is valued worldwide for jellies, teas, sauces, syrups, and wines, making it highly marketable internationally.
The project is managed by the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), serving as a coordination hub to connect producers and suppliers with government agencies, financial institutions, and international buyers.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/19/laos-set-to-export-120-tons-of-roselle-to-south-korea/
Old French Military Fort in Bokeo Province Recognized as Local Level National Heritage Site
The old French military camp, formerly known as Fort Carnot, in Houayxay District, Bokeo Province, was officially inscribed as a local-level national heritage site on 19 August.
To commemorate the occasion, provincial officials held a cultural ceremony to officially declare the site as a local-level national heritage site.
According to officials, the French colonial administration built the site in the early 1900s.
Covering 10,154 square meters, the fort featured two 15-meter-high observation towers, underground bunkers, and mortar positions on the east and west sides. Its front gate was flanked by heavy guns on both sides.
The construction reflected Houayxay’s strategic importance during the French protectorate period, when the town served as a frontier outpost guarding British Burma (present-day Myanmar) and Siam (modern-day Thailand).
The fort was named after Comte Carnot, a politician and engineer who pioneered innovative fortification designs later adapted for French colonies.
After Laos gained independence from France in 1954, the Royal Lao Army continued to use the fort during the Second Indochina War (Vietnam War) until 1975. Following the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, it was placed under the care of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Army.
In 2010, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the camp was developed into an information center for tourism and historical exhibits, including displays on Indochina War-era military artifacts.
In October 2024, the province opened the former French military camp, namely Fort Carnot 1990 Es Café, as a new historical tourism attraction.
Today, the former military site has been officially transferred to the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/20/old-french-military-fort-in-bokeo-province-recognized-as-local-level-national-heritage-site/
Luang Prabang Attracts Over 2.15 Million Tourists in First 7 Months of 2025
In the first seven months of 2025, Luang Prabang attracted over 2.15 million visitors, Deputy Governor Bounleua Sinxayvoravong reported at the provincial office on 15 August.
With 2,155,994 visitors in the first seven months of 2025, Luang Prabang saw an increase of 983,483 tourists, or 83.8 percent, compared to the same period last year.
The province also generated LAK 1,108 billion (approximately USD 52.76 million) in revenue, reaching 92.2 percent of its annual target.
Key attractions drawing visitors include Xiengthong Temple, Mount Phusi, Kuang Si Falls, the Royal Palace Museum, the Luang Prabang Night Market, etc
To prepare for the upcoming tourist season and the 30th anniversary celebrations of the UNESCO World Heritage Site later this year, the provincial authorities are focusing on urgent repairs and improvements, including resolving traffic bottlenecks within Luang Prabang City.
Meanwhile, Champasack Province welcomed over 426,126 visitors in the same period, generating more than USD 55 million in tourism revenue, an 8 percent increase from 2024. The province exceeded its annual visitor target of 350,958, achieving 121 percent of the planned number in just seven months.
Laos welcomed over 2.3 million tourists in the first half of 2025, up from 2.1 million during the same period last year. The country aims to surpass its 2025 target of 4.5 million visitors, building on more than 4.1 million tourists in 2024.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/18/luang-prabang-attracts-over-2-15-million-tourists-in-first-7-months-of-2025/
Laos Calls for Stronger Mekong Cooperation on Digital Growth, Clean Energy, and Water Management
Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane has called for deeper Mekong cooperation to strengthen digital growth, clean energy, and water resource management to improve the lives of people across the region.
Thongsavanh made his remark on 15 August at the 10th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Anning, Yunnan Province, China.
There, he stressed the need for forward-looking collaboration that delivers tangible benefits to the region’s people.
The official urged member states to prioritize resilient economies, digital transformation, sustainable water management, human resource development, and responses to emerging security challenges, while highlighting agriculture, clean energy, and tourism as key growth sectors.
Thongsavanh also praised the LMC’s achievements over the past nine years, noting that the LMC Special Fund, established in 2017, has already financed more than 100 projects in Laos worth over USD 26 million.
The meeting, co-chaired by China and Thailand, reviewed progress under the LMC’s three pillars, including Political-Security, Sustainable Development, and Social-Cultural Exchange, and five priority areas: connectivity, water resource management, agriculture and poverty reduction, cross-border trade, and production capacity.
Laos Reaffirms Support for Myanmar Peace, Regional Security
On the same day, the Lao foreign minister joined a special meeting with China, Thailand, and Myanmar to discuss regional security and the evolving situation in Myanmar.
He reaffirmed Laos’ support for a “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned” political process, stressing that stability there is vital for regional peace and development.
In addition, the ministers reviewed Myanmar’s situation since the military takeover in 2021, including plans for a general election in late 2025 or early 2026. They pledged closer cooperation to combat transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, human trafficking.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/18/laos-calls-for-stronger-mekong-cooperation-on-digital-growth-clean-energy-and-water-management/
Attapeu’s Economy Grows 2.8% in First Half of 2025
Attapeu province’s economy expanded by 2.81 percent in the first half of 2025, but authorities say more work is needed to meet the full-year target of 5.4 percent.
Deputy Governor Thanouxay Banxalith reported the figures during the 9th Ordinary Session of the 2nd Provincial People’s Council on 7 August, noting that the province’s total economy is currently valued at about LAK 1,922 billion (USD 88.4 million), or roughly a quarter of the year’s goal.
Thanouxay said the average annual income per person in Attapeu now stands at LAK 21.9 million (USD 1,007). While some sectors have shown promising results, others are falling behind expectations, requiring stronger coordination in the months ahead.
Agriculture and Industry Lead Growth
According to the official, agriculture and forestry remain the province’s primary growth drivers, expanding by 3.64 percent and contributing 49.47 percent of total GDP. Dry-season rice production reached 63 percent of the annual target, with yields averaging 3 tonnes per hectare and totaling 1,519 tonnes.
Other dry-season crops achieved 56 percent of the goal, while meat, fish, and egg production stood at 52 percent. Cash crops such as watermelon, tobacco, cassava, and coffee also made notable contributions.
Industry grew by 1.85 percent, accounting for 22.32 percent of GDP. Thanouxay reported that processed goods were valued at LAK 513 billion (USD 23.5 million), reaching 20 percent of the annual target.
Electricity generation exceeded 2,196 gigawatt-hours, bringing in over USD 113 million, THB 10 billion, and LAK 14 billion in revenue. Mining also continued to play an important role, with active extraction of gold, silver, iron ore, and bauxite.
Services and Tourism Lag Behind
The provincial deputy governor noted that the services sector saw the slowest growth, at just 1.33 percent, making up 28.2 percent of GDP. Trade value surpassed LAK 8 trillion (USD 368 million), achieving 48 percent of the yearly target.
Tourism welcomed 71,677 visitors in the first six months of the year, which is 47 percent of the annual goal. Revenue from tourism reached LAK 33 billion (USD 1.51 million), or 52 percent of the yearly projection, according to the deputy governor.
To close the gap and meet the 2025 growth target, Thanouxay called for stronger collaboration between sectors, timely project implementation, and effective execution of policies outlined in the province’s socio-economic development plan.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/11/attapeus-economy-grows-2-8-in-first-half-of-2025/
Education Ministry, World Vision Strengthen Early Childhood Education Efforts
The Ministry of Education and Sports, in partnership with World Vision International Laos, has expanded its efforts to improve early childhood education in rural communities with the official launch of a new phase of a long-term learning initiative in Xonnabouly district.
The launch, held on 8 August, included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony and a start-up workshop, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and Sports of Savannakhet Province and World Vision.
The second phase of the Improving Learning Outcomes for Early Childhood and Primary Education project will support children, parents, and schools in 10 remote villages.
The same day, officials from the Ministry visited Savannakhet to observe how the project is being implemented on the ground, as part of routine monitoring activities.
Tackling Barriers to Learning
The initiative, funded by World Vision International, aims to give children aged 3 to 5 a stronger start in school and improve reading and writing skills among pupils in Grades 1 to 3. The project also promotes safe, inclusive, and healthy learning environments.
Officials observed classroom activities in local preschools, reviewed teaching materials developed by community educators, and met with parents and local leaders.
Special attention was given to the inclusion of children with disabilities, as part of a broader commitment to education for all.
Two Phases, One Goal
Phase I of the project began with the signing of an MoU on 21 October 2022 in Attapeu Province. The first phase is being implemented in Sanamxay district, where 13 schools across 12 villages are receiving support.
Running through to September 2025, this phase benefits more than 11,500 people and is backed by USD 800,000 in funding.
Phase Two, which officially launched this month, will continue until September 2028.
It will support ten schools across ten villages in Xonnabouly district, reaching approximately 6,380 people.
With a total investment of USD 840,000, this phase builds on the successes of the first by placing greater emphasis on parental involvement and stronger school-community partnerships to make education more accessible and sustainable.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/13/education-ministry-world-vision-strengthen-early-childhood-education-efforts/
World Elephant Day: Laos’ ‘Land of a Million Elephants’ Now Home to Just 500-1,000
On 12 August, the world marks World Elephant Day, a day to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect these majestic creatures. In Laos, once known as Lane Xang – the “Land of a Million Elephants” – the elephant population has drastically declined.
Today, only 500 to 1,000 elephants remain, just one-third of the number from two decades ago. Conservationists warn that for every one or two elephants born each year in Laos, around ten die, putting the species at risk of disappearing from the country altogether.
Elephants continue to hold a special place as Laos’ national animal and a powerful cultural symbol.
Most wild elephants are found in the Nam Poui National Protected Area (NPA) in Laos’ northwestern Xayabouly Province, which spans 191,200 hectares across Phiang, Paklay, and Thongmixay districts along the Lao-Thai border.
This province also hosts the annual Elephant Festival, celebrating elephant heritage and promoting conservation efforts.
The Elephant Conservation Center in Xayabouly cares for the largest herd under human care in Laos, with over 25 elephants. Since the 2018 ban on illegal logging, many elephants once used in the timber industry have been redirected to tourism, while others have been sold to zoos, circuses, and breeders.
Global Elephant Population Under Threat
Globally, the situation is also critical. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants remain in the wild, including only 8,000 to 11,000 in Southeast Asia, where habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflict continue to threaten their survival.
Worldwide, about 450,000 elephants remain.
Asian elephants have been classified as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List since 1986.
Every year, an estimated 20,000 wild elephants are killed for their ivory, hides, and other body parts.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/12/world-elephant-day-laos-land-of-a-million-elephants-now-home-to-just-500-1000/
Lao Foreign Minister Visits Singapore, The Philippines
Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane completed official visits to Singapore and the Philippines, reaffirming Laos’ commitment to strengthening cooperation on trade, human resource development, clean energy, regional security, and people-to-people initiatives.
On 11-12 August, Minister Thongsavanh met with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two leaders reviewed past bilateral and multilateral cooperation and explored future collaboration in trade and investment, human resource development, food security, clean energy, carbon credits, and volunteer programs.
The deployment of Singaporean volunteers to Laos was highlighted as a key initiative.
The ministers expressed satisfaction with 51 years of strong bilateral relations, emphasizing regular high-level visits and growing people-to-people ties.
Both parties pledged to continue promoting cooperation across various sectors and within regional frameworks such as ASEAN.
Visit to the Philippines: Strengthening Regional Cooperation
Following Singapore, Minister Thongsavanh traveled to Manila, where he met Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro on 13 August for the 3rd Philippines–Laos Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC).
Discussions focused on strengthening defense, security, trade, and economic relations, with both sides emphasizing a shared vision for a stronger and more resilient Southeast Asia. Key topics included boosting trade and economic ties, addressing regional security challenges, and combating transnational crimes such as human trafficking.
The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Laos’ national development priorities, including human resource development, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, while Laos pledged closer cooperation in these areas and in energy, agriculture, ICT, and education.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/14/wrap-lao-foreign-minister-visits-singapore-the-philippines/
Champasack Draws 426,000 Visitors in First 7 Months of 2025
Champasack Draws 426,000 Visitors in First 7 Months of 2025
Champasack Province attracted 426,126 visitors in the first seven months of 2025, Vannaxay Sardtakoun, Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism, reported told Lao media on 11 August.
According to the official, the province generated over USD 55 million in tourism revenue during this period, an 8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The tourists included 172,773 domestic visitors, 73,142 border tourists, and 180,211 international travelers. This performance allowed Champasack to surpass its annual visitor target of 350,958 by attracting 121 percent of the planned number within just seven months.
Key attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage site Vat Phou, the Bolaven Plateau, and the Mekong River continue to attract both domestic and international tourists, Vannaxay noted.
The provincial government also focuses on improving tourism infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices to enhance visitor experiences.
Elsewhere in Laos, Luang Prabang reported nearly LAK 700 billion (USD 32 million) in tourism revenue during the first five months of 2025.
So far, Laos welcomed over 2.3 million tourists in the first half of the year, up from 2.1 million in the same period last year. The country aims to exceed its target of 4.5 million visitors by the end of 2025, building on last year’s total of more than 4.1 million tourists.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/12/champasack-draws-426000-visitors-in-first-7-months-of-2025/