The Bank of the Lao reported that its delegation participated in the 43rd ASEAN+3 Bond Market Forum (ABMF) and the 32nd Cross-Border Settlement Infrastructure Forum (CSIF) held in Kyoto, Japan, and used the meetings to present on Lao PDR’s experiment with using information technology in foreign exchange (FX) management and the development of the Lao foreign exchange market system (LFX). Led by Deputy Governor Soulisack Thammavong, the delegation delivered a session on “Lao Experiment of IT Usage in FX Management” on 3 July 2025, highlighting the role of LFX in facilitating FX transactions while aiming to strengthen safety and transparency and support currency stability and FX management. The Deputy Governor also served as a panelist alongside the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia on “Digital Transformation and Challenges in Emerging Economic”, sharing experience on building LFX and its use through applications of commercial banks that are members of Lao National Payment Network Co., Ltd (LAPNet), and citing improved convenience and exchange-rate stability since LFX began operating in August 2024, alongside a decline in inflation from double digits in 2024 to 7.2% in June 2025.
Bank of the Lao 2025-07-04
Bank of the Lao joins ASEAN+3 bond and cross-border settlement forums in Kyoto and presents on IT-based FX management and LFX
The Bank of the Lao participated in the 43rd ASEAN+3 Bond Market Forum and the 32nd Cross-Border Settlement Infrastructure Forum in Kyoto, Japan, discussing its use of information technology in foreign exchange management and the Lao foreign exchange market system (LFX). Deputy Governor Soulisack Thammavong highlighted LFX's role in enhancing transaction safety, transparency, and currency stability, noting improved convenience and exchange-rate stability since its launch in August 2024. Inflation in Lao PDR decreased from double digits in 2024 to 7.2% in June 2025.