Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Asia & Middle East
Trade in Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| The Lao PDR was the world’s 100th largest exporter of goods and 141st largest exporter of commercial services in 2022. Export values were $8.20 billion and $406 million USD respectively. The Lao PDR’s top export category was Agricultural products, followed by Fuels and mining products, and Manufactures. In 2022, The Lao PDR’s main export destination markets for goods and services trade were to Thailand, China and Vietnam. In terms of imports, The Lao PDR is the world’s 130th largest importer of goods and 149th largest importer of commercial services. Import values were $7.24 billion and $528 million USD respectively in 2022. The Lao PDR’s top import category was Manufactures, followed by Machinery and transport equipment and Agricultural products. Leading import partners were Thailand, China and Vietnam. The Lao PDR is part of 10 different Regional Trade Agreements, including ASEAN – Australia – New Zealand and ASEAN – China. |
General InformationThis section includes general information on the economy, legal system, official languages and links to additional demographic information. |
|
|---|---|
Official Name |
Lao People's Democratic Republic |
Abbreviation |
LA |
Capital |
Vientiane |
WTO Membership Date |
2 February 2013 |
Legal System |
civil law system similar in form to the French system |
Language |
Lao, French, English |
Additional Information | |
Financial InformationThis section includes financial information such as the currency, exchange rate lookup and local banks issuing trade finance. |
|
Currency |
Lao kip |
|
Exchange Rate |
Google Finance Currencies |
|
GTFP Confirming Banks Through the IFC's Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP) bank network, local financial institutions can establish working partnerships with a vast number of major international banks in the Program that can broaden access to finance and reduce cash collateral requirements. This extends and complements the capacity of banks to deliver trade finance by providing risk mitigation on a per-transaction basis in challenging markets where trade lines may be limited. |
|
Contact InformationThis section includes contact information for business support organizations and national resources. |
|
|
SPS Enquiry Points Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) enquiry points are government agencies designated to answer questions about trade requirements. |
|
|
TBT Enquiry Points Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) enquiry points are government agencies designated to answer questions about trade requirements. |
|
|
Additional Information |
ePing alert |
Links to other helpful resourcesThis section includes additional links to trade-related resources. |
|
National Tariff Finder |
https://laotradeportal.gov.la/index.php?r=tradeInfo/index |
Trade Information Portal |
https://www.laotradeportal.gov.la/index.php?r=site/index |
Last Reviewed: June, 2024
Businesses & Entrepreneurs
Find a concise overview of key aspects of international trade for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises with our Businesses & Entrepreneurs Guides.
Policymakers & Researchers
Find a concise overview of key aspects of trade and MSME-related policymaking with our dedicated library of Policymakers & Researchers Guides.
Resources related to Lao People’s Democratic Republic
View ResourceArab Creative Market platform
A digital mall empowering Arab creatives, and enriching culture. Discover a rich tapestry of creative Arab businesses in one central hub.
- View Resource
Doing Business in Hong Kong, China – Chartered Institute of Exports
This handbook from the Chartered Institute of Exports and International Trade provides insights for those already operating in Hong Kong, China but is mostly focused on those looking to do business in Hong Kong, China for the first time, offering guidance and support, with a steer on key issues to consider. Whether you aim to use it as a market to export into, plan to set up an office there, or want to start a new business in Hong Kong, China this handbook should have something to help.
- View Resource
Gender Dimensions of Cross-Border Trade in Tajikistan
This survey aims to quantify the exact nature of challenges women cross-border traders face at the firm-level in Tajikistan. The World Bank Group undertook a survey of 401 cross-border trade firms and 31 customs brokers between March and November 2022.
