Lao PDR Services Value Added
Services value added as % of GDP NV.SRV.TOTL.ZS
Lao PDR's services value added was 44.58% in 2025, ranked 164th globally. This represents a 2.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1989–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's services value added stood at 44.58% in 2025, a rise of +1.04% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 44.58% by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 164th globally.
In 2025, services value added accounted for 44.58 percent of GDP in Lao PDR, ranking it 164th globally, a figure nearly identical to its 1989 level of 44.39, reflecting prolonged structural stagnation. The sector reached its all-time peak in 1997 at 55.70 percent, likely buoyed by early market reforms and foreign engagement, before declining sharply to a trough of 38.14 percent in 2006 amid economic realignments and underdeveloped infrastructure. Since then, the share has stabilized in the mid-40s, remaining below its historical high despite gradual liberalization and growth in tourism and telecommunications. Lao PDR's current services intensity is comparable to that of Mongolia (44.03) and Mauritania (44.66), though it lags behind more diversified regional economies. The persistence of a relatively low services share suggests continued dominance of agriculture and state-led investment in extractive industries. Future expansion of the services sector will depend on improvements in human capital, digital infrastructure, and private sector competitiveness. Without deeper structural reforms, the trajectory is likely to remain flat, constraining broad-based economic transformation.
Data & projection
| Year | Services Value Added | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 46.60% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 45.59% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 44.58% | - | - |
| 2025 | 44.58% | +1.04% | #164 |
| 2024 | 43.53% | −0.46% | #23 |
| 2023 | 44.00% | +3.72% | #32 |
| 2022 | 40.28% | +1.43% | #24 |
| 2021 | 38.85% | −2.20% | #17 |
| 2020 | 41.05% | −0.46% | #18 |
| 2019 | 41.51% | −0.09% | #20 |
| 2018 | 41.61% | +0.08% | #18 |
| 2017 | 41.53% | −0.95% | #16 |
| 2016 | 42.48% | −1.69% | #14 |
| 2015 | 44.17% | +0.01% | #27 |
| 2014 | 44.16% | +1.67% | #38 |
| 2013 | 42.49% | +2.34% | #35 |
| 2012 | 40.15% | −1.62% | #27 |
| 2011 | 41.77% | −1.80% | #32 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lao PDR matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw services value added improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's services value added was 44.58% in 2025. Ranked 164th globally. This represents a 2.4% increase from the previous year.
Lao PDR's services value added peaked at 55.70% in 1997.
The lowest services value added in Lao PDR was 38.14% in 2006.
Lao PDR ranks 164th globally in services value added as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NV.SRV.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's services value added is projected to reach 44.58% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The services value added of Lao PDR in 2025 was 44.58%. This ranks 164th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_services-value-added,
title = {Lao PDR Services Value Added},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/services-value-added/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}