Lao PDR, also known as Laos, is centrally located in Southeast Asia, sharing borders with fast-growing, export-driven economies such as China, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Covering a total land area of 236,800 square kilometers, Laos had a population of approximately 7.6 million as of 2023 (World Bank). As a key player in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), the country benefits from vital connectivity through the East-West Economic Corridor and North-South Economic Corridor, making it an attractive destination for businesses and investment.

The country’s transportation infrastructure is rapidly expanding. The Lao-China Railway, inaugurated in December 2021, connects Kunming City in Yunnan Province, China, to Vientiane, Laos, significantly boosting regional trade and logistics. Future plans include integrating this railway with Thailand’s rail network, currently under construction, further extending connectivity southward to Singapore.

Lao PDR is emerging as a competitive and dynamic economy in Southeast Asia, offering diverse opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors. Key factors driving its growth include:

Additionally, Laos has been ranked among the world’s friendliest countries. In a survey by London-based travel publisher Rough Guides, Laos ranked third in the world for friendliness, earning a reputation for its warm hospitality and welcoming culture. Often referred to as a land of “wholehearted people,” the country is home to a rich diversity of cultures, lifestyles, and artistic traditions.

Laos consists of 17 provinces, stretching 1,162 kilometers from north to south, with its 7.6 million inhabitants representing 49 officially recognized ethnic groups within four main language families. However, estimates suggest that more than 100 ethnic groups exist in the country.