VLE plans US$10–15 billion investment in Laos, seeks tax incentives
The Vietnamese investor says proposed changes to approval procedures could shorten the process by three to six months.
Viet Lao Energy Investment and Development Joint Stock Company (VLE) plans to invest US$10–15 billion alongside its affiliates in Laos over five years, general director Nguyen Ba San said at an investment conference in Vientiane on October 8, 2026.
San called for administrative arrangements that would make approvals faster for major investors. He also sought differentiated tax incentives for companies investing substantial sums, pursuing several concession projects and making long-term commitments to Laos.
The changes could reduce the approval process by three to six months and allow investment capital to be disbursed sooner, San said. According to VLE, its recommendations have gone to the Lao Central Investment Promotion and Management Committee for assessment before being reported to the government.
San also received a Project Development Agreement for the Truong Son 3 Project. Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung were present.
Saleumxay said the government remained committed to improving business conditions. He cited the Investment Promotion and Management Committee's role in providing a centralised, one-stop process under his direct guidance. Le Minh Hung urged Vietnamese businesses to invest more in Laos, including in clean energy, logistics and digital development.
Lao authorities approved 45 projects valued at US$8.57 billion during the first nine months of 2026. Of that amount, US$4.7 billion came from Vietnamese investments, the largest share by value. The conference drew about 500 representatives from government and the private sector, with 18 investment-related documents exchanged or handed over.
