VIENTIANE (Xinhua): Laos recorded an average inflation rate of 10.9 per cent in the first half of 2025, marking a sharp decline from 25.3 per cent during the same period in 2024, according to the latest report from the Lao Statistics Bureau.
In the first six months of 2025, the highest price rise was recorded in the cost of housing, water, electricity and gas category, which stood at 23 per cent.
This was followed by the medical care and medicines category at 20.9 per cent, the household goods category at 18.2 per cent, the education category at 17.5 per cent, and the hotel and restaurant category at 15.8 per cent.
The Lao government is urging all sectors to collaborate in addressing the country's economic challenges.
In the second half of 2025, efforts will focus on reducing inflation, stabilizing the exchange rate, managing commodity prices, and addressing external debt.
Authorities aim to implement national agenda measures more effectively and with tangible results.
To promote sustained economic growth, the government plans to leverage all available resources, ensure energy security, and further develop industrial and processing sectors.
It will also prioritize improvements to infrastructure and transportation systems to boost trade, investment, and tourism.
In addition, monetary and exchange rate policies will be strengthened, with greater management of foreign exchange through the banking system and encouragement of wider use of the Lao kip. - Xinhua
