🏳️ Laos

Public Sector Debt · 2026

Total Debt

121.2%

of GDP

Global Rank

#17

of 192

SOE Debt

+36.5%

2 categories

Where the Debt Sits

Central Government

Energy SOEs

Central Government: 81.2%Subnational: 3.5%Energy SOEs: 36.0%Public Corps: 0.5%

Full Debt Breakdown

Central Government81.2% of GDP

Central GovernmentIMF WEO — General Government Debt

81.2%

Subnational / Regional3.5% of GDP

SubnationalIMF WEO — General Government Debt

3.5%

Energy SOEs36.0% of GDP

Électricité du Laos (EDL)Lowy Institute 2025; IMF Laos Article IV 2024→EDL ~$5.7B in debt (45% GDP per Lowy). IMF contingent liability shock: $627M (4.3% GDP) for guaranteed portion. Using guaranteed+on-lent portion ~36% GDP. Sells power below cost. 14-fold hydropower capacity surge 2009-2023.

36.0%

Public Corporations0.5% of GDP

Lao AirlinesWorld Bank Lao PDR SOE Report 2023→Reform committee est. 2022. Most debts cannot be repaid from current revenues. Seeking JV partner.

0.5%

Total Corporate Debt13.6% of GDP

NF corporate debt (est.)WB WDI 2010

13.6%

Household Debt7.3% of GDP

Household debt (est.)WB WDI 2010

7.3%

State Bank Liabilities2.9% of GDP

BCEL (Banque pour le Commerce Extérieur Lao)World Bank Lao PDR Financial Sector 2024; IMF 2024→Largest state bank. CAR 4.9% (below 8% min). Holds ~half of govt securities. Loan/deposit ratio declined 75% to 49%. Govt debt holdings 2.9% GDP.

2.9%

All Layers Total145.0%