On November 7 2024, the World Bank launched the October 2024 Lao PDR Economic Monitor - Reforms for Stability and Growth. The biannual Lao PDR Economic Monitor provides updates on macroeconomic developments and sectoral issues in country and is distributed to government agencies, development partners, the private sector, think tanks, civil society organizations, media, and academia. This edition comprises two parts. Part A: Recent Economic Developments and Outlook, and Part B: More Revenues, Better Health – Implementing Health Tax Reforms in the Lao PDR. The second part builds on messages and recommendations from the Health Taxes in the Lao PDR report, which highlights global best practice in health tax design, and presents a reform agenda that would net the government nearly 1% of GDP annually in additional revenue.
The event included representatives from Ministry of Health, Ministry of Energy and Mines, National Assembly, University partners and Lao National Chamber of Commerce. A follow up event for media and development partners will be planned to further disseminate results and build momentum for reforms.