Lao PDR continues its 2025 reform momentum. New measures aim at tightening corporate governance, capital transparency, and digital compliance for enterprises. Two notable developments this quarter—the MOIC Decision on Enterprise Capital Contributions (issued 9 September 2025) and ongoing enterprise registry digitalisation reforms—are reshaping how businesses operate and report their financial structures in the country. Reinforcing […]
In 2024, Lao PDR brought into force the Amended Law on Investment Promotion No. 14/NA, dated 17 November 2023. This marked a significant step in modernising the country’s legal framework for investment. The amended law replaces the earlier Law on Investment Promotion No. 14/NA (2016) and aims to attract sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI). Furthermore, […]
In August 2025, the Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) issued Notice No. 1509, suspending the establishment of new branches and service units by non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) effective September 2025. The measure, grounded in the Law on the Bank of the Lao PDR (No. 66/NA, 2024), applies to all entities including microfinance providers, leasing […]
The rise of cryptocurrency has placed the decentralised system of finance in the spotlight with the recent record high in the price of Bitcoin (“BTC”) reaching more than USD$68,521 earlier this month. Take Southeast Asia for example with the region experiencing resounding impact of this digital phenomenon especially in the uptake of retail market participants […]
The Bank of Lao PDR has issued the Additional Decision on the Implementation of Credit Policy to Reduce Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic No. 256 dated 13 May 2021 (“Decision”). The Decision outlines additional measures to reduce Covid-19 related hardship for loan customers of commercial banks and financial institutions whose ability to repay their loan obligations […]
The Department of Health of Vientiane Capital, on behalf of the Covid-19 Taskforce, has issued Notification No. 378 dated 10 May 2021 addressing the authorisation of entry-exit documentation for Vientiane Capital until 20 May 2021 (the “Notification”). The Notification allows for movement of persons for employment and personal reasons if certain documentation is provided. All […]
The Notification on the extended deadline for submission of FY 2020 financial reports (the “Notification”) No. 2081/MOF dated 30 April 2021 was issued by the Government of Lao PDR under the Ministry of Finance. Under the Notification, the Ministry of Finance has agreed to extend the deadline for submission for the FY 2020 financial reports for a second time […]
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued updated entry and exit guidelines to support the gradual return of Lao nationals and foreigners to the Lao PDR, which are valid until at least 30 June 2020. Individuals who already have a valid entry visa may use it to enter Lao PDR. Those who do not have […]
The Lao National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control (“Taskforce”) has issued Guidelines on Conditions and Measures for Businesses to Operate During the COVID-19 Outbreak to Align with Guideline No. 031/NTC, dated 21 April 2020, No.071/NTC dated 11 May 2020 (the “Guidelines”). These Guidelines aim to mitigate the impact on the Lao economy by […]
21 April 2020 Instruction on the conditions and measures for businesses to re-open during COVID19 in Lao PDR The Lao National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control issued the Instruction on Conditions and Measures for Business Sectors able to Operate Business Activities during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period No. 031/TC dated 21 April 2020 (the […]
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