Decision on Management of Opening Deposit Accounts Abroad
The Bank of Lao PDR (“BOL“) has issued Decision on the Management of Deposit Account Opening Abroad No.251/BOL, dated 24 March 2026 (“Decision 251“). Decision 251 replaces the provisions on the opening of deposit accounts abroad under Decision on Oversea Deposit, Fund Transfer, and Carrying Cash Into and Out of Lao PDR, No. 454/BOL, dated 30 May 2019.
Decision 251 identifies two categories of persons who may open deposit accounts abroad: (i) those who may proceed without prior approval; and (ii) those who must obtain BOL approval before opening an account.
Those who belong to the second category are the individuals, legal entities and organisations seeking to open deposit accounts abroad for the following purposes:
- service and repay loans during the loan obligation period;
- support fundraising initiatives through the issuance of securities;
- facilitate direct investment and securities, including the establishment of overseas branches or representative offices; or
- facilitate the distribution of goods and services requiring payments overseas payment, such as product exhibitions and e-commerce.
The supporting documents for an application to open a deposit account abroad include:
- a duly completed application form printed by the Department of Foreign Exchange Management;
- a copy of the applicant’s enterprise registration certificate and/or investment licence;
- a copy of the applicant’s business operating licence (if applicable);
- a copy of the applicant’s financial statement for the previous year;
- copies of relevant documents used to verify the amount of funds proposed for opening a deposit account abroad; and
- any other documents as may be required on a case-by-case basis.
Laos and China Set Direction for Digital, Green and Connectivity Development
Laos and China have outlined their roadmap for deepening bilateral cooperation, with a focus on digital innovation, green development and stronger regional connectivity. This was highlighted at the “China in the New Spring” symposium held in Vientiane, according to a media report. The event signaled a new phase in efforts to build a Laos-China community with a shared future.
The meeting adopted several key documents, including China’s 15th five‑year socio‑economic development plan, with China noting that its high‑quality development strategy has created new opportunities globally. China also expressed its intention to enhance its role in the international media landscape by leveraging its extensive global communications network, which operates in 85 foreign languages and spans 192 overseas offices. This would also deepen the integration of culture and science and technology, make it possible to conduct studies in areas such as 5G and 6G and high-definition signals, as well as artificial intelligence, while promoting cultural exchanges aimed at fostering closer people‑to‑people connections.
China further indicated that it would encourage increased investment by Chinese businesses in Laos, particularly in the digital economy and clean energy sectors. Enhancing regional connectivity was also discussed, with reference to major cooperation projects such as the Laos-China railway and the expressway, which have supported Laos’ development.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to development that is people-centred, open, and mutually beneficial.
New Law on Cybersecurity to Safeguard National Security
On 20 March 2026, the Law on Cybersecurity No. 87/NA dated 25 June 2025 (“Cybersecurity Law“), issued by the National Assembly, was published in the Lao Official Gazette.
The Cybersecurity Law sets out the principles, regulations and measures for managing, monitoring and inspecting cybersecurity activities to ensure they are efficient and effective. It aims to protect national security and peace, social order, information security, important national information infrastructure, and the rights and interests of the state, organisations and individuals.
Cybersecurity is defined under Cybersecurity Law as “the protection of information and communication technology systems from cyberattacks or damage caused by cyber threats, including maintenance of the integrity of systems and networks and ensuring the availability of such systems.”
The Cybersecurity Law also outlines the types of cybersecurity-related businesses, including:
- cybersecurity consulting;
- development and installation of security system;
- penetration testing;
- incident response;
- training services;
- standard inspection;
- surveillance and monitoring services;
- data and system recovery;
- cloud security service; and
- other business related to cybersecurity.
The law states that a person intending to conduct business related to cybersecurity must first register its enterprise with the industry and commerce sector authority in accordance with the Law on Enterprises, and then apply for a business operating licence from the technology and communications sector authority.
New Law on General Education to Ensure Quality Education
On 10 March 2026, the Law on Agriculture No. 83/NA dated 25 June 2025 (“General Education Law“), issued by the National Assembly, was published in the Lao Official Gazette.
The General Education Law sets out the principles, regulations and measures for the management, monitoring and inspection of general education activities to ensure the standards, quality and sustainability. It aims to develop students physically, mentally, and in good health, so that they become good citizens, qualified, knowledgeable, and capable, with a sound professional foundation, including the ability to use the modern technology.
The General Education Law also provides that the individuals, legal entities and organisations, both domestic and foreign, intending to establish a general education institution must submit an application to the education and sport sector authority, in accordance with this law and other relevant laws.
Decision on Management of Carrying Foreign Currency Cash into and out of Lao PDR
The Bank of Lao PDR (“BOL“) has issued Decision on Management of Carrying Foreign Currency Cash Into and Out of Lao PDR No.140/BOL, dated 18 February 2026 (“Decision 140“). Decision 140 replaces the provisions governing the movement of carriage of foreign currency cash into and out of Lao PDR as stipulated in Decision on Oversea Deposit, Fund Transfer, and Carrying Cash Into and Out of Lao PDR, No. 454/BOL, dated 30 May 2019, and Notification on Carrying Cash Into and Out of Lao PDR No.13/BOL, dated 13 July 2023.
The management of carrying foreign currency cash into and out of Lao PDR implements the principles, regulations and measures relating to the movement of foreign currency cash into and out of Lao PDR.
Carrying Foreign Currency Cash into Lao PDR
Decision 140 requires residents and non-residents of Lao PDR who carry foreign currency cash into Lao PDR to declare such foreign currency cash to customs officers at border checkpoints (so that a certificate can be issued) in either of the following instances:
- the amount exceeds US$ 10,000 or its equivalent per entry; or
- the cash is brought into Lao PDR by foreign investor for the purpose of direct investment in Lao PDR.
Carrying Foreign Currency Cash out of Lao PDR
The Decision 140 also provides that residents and non-residents of Lao PDR who carry foreign currency cash out of Lao PDR in an amount of exceeding US$10,000 or its equivalent per a trip must obtain prior approval before taking the cash out of Lao PDR.
Amended Law on Signs to Strengthen Regulation of Signage Activities
On 18 February 2026, the Law on Signs No. 89/NA dated 25 June2025 (“Amended Signs Law“), issued by the National Assembly was published in the Lao Official Gazette. The Amended Signs Law replaced the Law on Signs No.50/NA, dated 21 June 2018.
The Amended Signs Law sets out the principles, regulations and measures for the management, monitoring and inspection of signage activities. It aims to ensure that such activities are implemented properly, consistently, systematically, and in an efficient and effective manner. The Amended Signs Law is aimed at ensuring safety, maintaining social order, and safeguarding national security.
The Amended Signs Law also provides that any individual, legal entity, or organisation, both domestic and foreign, intending to use sign must submit an application, together with the sign’s form and content, to the information and tourist sector authority. After obtaining a sign usage permit, the individuals, those who also intend to install the sign must apply for a sign installation permit from the public work and transportation sector authority, as well as any other relevant authorities.
New Law on Agriculture to Enhance Oversight of Agriculture Activities and Modernise the Sector
On 16 February 2026, the Law on Agriculture No. 84/NA dated 25 June 2025 (“Agriculture Law”), issued by the National Assembly, was published in the Lao Official Gazette.
The Agriculture Law sets out the principles, regulations and measures for managing, monitoring and inspecting agriculture activities to ensure law is implemented efficiently and effectively. It aims to promote the use, protection and development of agriculture land; ensure food security, nutrition and commodity production; and support the transformation of the agricultural sector into a modern industry in alignment with a green, clean and sustainable direction.
The Agriculture Law also outlines the types of agriculture-related businesses, including:
- cultivation of crops for commercial purposes;
- processing of plants and plant products;
- construction of warehouse, greenhouse, incubators and cold storage facilities for plants;
- construction of fertiliser and pesticide manufacturing facilities;
- businesses related to factors of production;
- clean agriculture businesses;
- quality analysis of crop productions;
- agriculture consultancy;
- agritourism businesses;
- other businesses related to agriculture.
The law stipulates that a person intending to conduct an agriculture-related business must first register the enterprise with the industry and commerce sector authority in accordance with the Law on Enterprises, and then apply for a business operating licence from the agriculture and environment sector authority.
Where an agricultural business falls under the controlled or concession business list, it must also comply with the requirements of the Law on Investment Promotion.
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
