VIENTIANE: Laos approved 34 controlled and concession investment projects worth US$8.5 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up 68 per cent from the same period last year.
Actual capital inflows from the approved projects exceeded US$1 billion during the period, highlighting the government’s push to turn investment approvals into real economic activity.
The controlled investment list covers sensitive sectors that can affect national security, public order, the environment or society. Investors in these areas must undergo government screening and obtain approval before receiving an investment licence.
The list includes mining and energy, large-scale agriculture and land concessions, banking and finance, transport infrastructure, telecommunications, and defence and security-related businesses.
The figures were released at the first National Conference on Investment Promotion and Management Work held in Vientiane during Aug 11-12.
The conference reviewed investment promotion and management over the past period and discussed measures to make the approval process faster, more transparent and more professional.
The Standing Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee, Saleumxay Kommasith, said private investment remains important to national development because it brings capital, technology and expertise.
Since 1989, Laos has approved 5,394 domestic and foreign private investment projects worth a combined US$65.5 billion.
China remains the largest source of foreign investment, with 970 projects worth US$15 billion. Vietnam follows with 441 projects worth US$12.7 billion, while Thailand has 686 projects worth US$6.9 billion.
The government is seeking to improve the quality of investment as it works to meet the targets of the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030.
The conference agreed to centralise investment promotion and management for private sector projects, particularly controlled and concession businesses, within investment promotion and management committees at the central, Vientiane Capital and provincial levels.
The move is intended to reduce delays and improve coordination in reviewing investment proposals and signing memoranda of understanding and investment contracts.
The Investment Promotion and Management Committee will strengthen its role as the professional body responsible for coordinating investment promotion and management.
After an investment is approved, relevant technical sectors will take greater responsibility for technical approval and oversight within their respective mandates.
The conference also agreed to accelerate revisions to the 2024 Law on Investment Promotion to bring it in line with the restructuring of government institutions and investment management mechanisms.
The changes are expected to create a more consistent national framework for investment promotion and management.
The government is counting on private investors to provide the bulk of investments needed under the 10th Five-Year Plan.
The plan targets 409,470 billion kip in private investments, equal to 64.4 per cent of total investment required during 2026-2030.
The conference called for policies and mechanisms that help domestic businesses grow and compete, while encouraging investments that make better use of Laos’ natural resources and support sustainable and green development.
The stronger focus on investor quality, faster approvals and closer oversight reflects the government’s effort to attract investment that can generate jobs, strengthen domestic businesses and contribute more directly to economic growth. - Vientiane Times/ANN
