Notification on the Suspension of Various Mineral Projects Nationwide
The Office of Prime Minister’s Office has issued Notification on Suspension the Consideration of the Various Mineral Projects NationwideNo.1090/PM, dated 30 June 2025 (“Notification“).
The Notification announces to suspend:
- the review and approval of new proposals for mineral projects including metal ore and non-metallic ores, as well as stone ores (excluding construction stones mined and supplied domestically);
- projects that have not yet entered into agreements with the Government as stipulated by law, from the memorandum of agreement (MOU) stage onward;
- projects that have received the power of attorney but have expired (which are treated as new projects);
- those under negotiation;
- those that are currently being reviewed by the Investment Promotion Committee and relevant ministries; and
- those that have been reported to the Prime Minister’s Office (without a power of attorney).
The Notification further states that once the Government resumes considering mineral projects for approval, then the projects will be reviewed and approved in accordance with the conditions and requirements as may be imposed by the Government at the relevant time.
Bank of Lao PDR Issues Decision on Payment System
The Bank of Lao PDR has issued Decision on Payment Service System No. 511/BOL, dated 19 June 2025 (“Decision“). The Decision replaces Decision on the Management of Money Transfer Service Business No.1058/BOL dated 5 December 2016 and Decision on Payment Service No.288/BOL dated 17 March 2020.
The Decision provides that the payment service system involves the provision of payment services and/or money transfers by any payment service provider for the payment of goods, services, debts and other obligations via legal instruments, channels and methods of payment.
The types of payment service under the Decision consists of:
- card payment;
- electronic money;
- electronic acceptance;
- bill payment (the bill payment service provider must have a contract with the biller as a bill payer on the biller’s behalf, or as a collector for goods or services);
- electronic money transfer; and
- other types of payment service as may be determined by Department of Payment System.
Notification Regarding the Temporary Suspension of the Issuance of Business Operating Licences for Vehicle Distribution Businesses
The Office of Ministry of Industry and Commerce has issued Notification on Temporary Suspension the Issuance of License to Operate Vehicle Distribution Business No.1042/OMOIC, dated 20 May 2025 (“Notification“).
The Notification announces the temporary suspension in the issuance of business operating licences to vehicle distribution businesses to make way for the implementation of a systematic and standardised vehicle management system.
The Notification does not specify the date of resumption of the issuance of these business operating licences.
Bank of Lao PDR Issues Decision Increasing the Registered Capital and Investment Capital of Commercial Banks and Branches of Foreign Commercial Banks
The Bank of Lao PDR has issued Decision on the Increase of Registered Capital and Investment Capital of Commercial Banks and Branches of Foreign Commercial Banks No.45/PM, dated 11 April 2025 (“Decision“), which seeks to implement Article 13 of Law on Commercial Bank No.39/NA, dated 17 July 2023 (“Law on Commercial Bank“).
The Decision mandates commercial banks and branches of foreign commercial banks incorporated prior to the coming into operation of the Law on Commercial Bank to increase their (i) registered capital to more than LAK1 trillion; and (ii) investment capital to branches of foreign commercial banks to at least LAK600 billion, within 10 years from 2 June 2025. It is further mandated that within the first five years of this period, affected commercial banks and branches of foreign commercial banks must raise at least 30% of the required registered capital and investment capital increase.
China and Laos Sign MOU to Build the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Cooperation Centre
On 3 April 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU“) signing ceremony on the Lao-China Artificial Intelligence Innovation Cooperation Centre (“Centre“) was held between the Laos Ministry of Technology and Commerce, the China-ASEAN Information Habor Company Limited and ALO Technology Company Limited.
The purpose of this MOU is to jointly build and operate the Centre, which seeks to establish an artificial intelligence (“AI“) processing infrastructure and a large-scale Lao language information system. The Centre will focus on creating industrial AI models in the fields of medicine, agriculture, education, trade and other sectors, and jointly implement training programs to build local talent.
The signing of this MOU marks a new chapter of substantive collaboration in AI between the two countries. It also strengthens efforts to develop the digital economy in Lao PDR.
Please note that whilst the information in this Update is correct to the best of our knowledge and belief at the time of writing, it is only intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and should not be treated as a substitute for specific professional advice
