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14 Feb, 2025

Coinbase CEO Foresees Blockchain Powering Global Economy, Reports Record Revenue

Key Takeaways● Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong predicts blockchain will power up to 10% of the global economy by 2030.● Coinbase posts record Q4 revenue of $2.3 billion, driving a 10% stock surge.● U.S. crypto regulations under the Trump administration signal a shift in government stance.● Coinbase expands into Argentina and India, strengthening its global presence.● Stablecoin legislation and market structure reforms could reshape the crypto landscape.Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong envisions a world where blockchain technology underpins a significant portion of the global economy. Speaking on the company's Q4 2024 earnings call, he projected that 10%—possibly even 25%—of global GDP could be "on crypto rails" by the decade’s end. With the World Bank valuing global GDP at over $100 trillion, that would mean more than $10 trillion in economic activity operating on-chain.The New Internet: Blockchain’s EvolutionArmstrong likened the current crypto revolution to the internet boom of the early 2000s. Just as businesses had to embrace the web to remain competitive, he argues that blockchain will become equally indispensable. “Onchain is the new online,” he declared, reinforcing Coinbase’s role as a primary gateway for businesses integrating blockchain technology.This vision is underscored by Coinbase’s stellar Q4 performance, with an 88% quarter-on-quarter revenue surge, netting $2.3 billion in earnings—its strongest quarter in over a year. The stock responded with a 10% jump, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s trajectory.Regulatory Shifts and the Trump Administration’s Crypto StanceArmstrong also praised the U.S. for its evolving regulatory framework, calling this “the most pro-crypto Congress we’ve ever seen.” With Trump’s administration actively exploring stablecoin legislation and market structure reforms, Coinbase sees an opportunity to help shape policies that could serve as a model for other nations.The company has been vocal in its support of Trump’s approach to digital asset regulation, with Armstrong engaging political leaders to push for favorable policies. Coinbase’s influence was evident in its ongoing battle against Operation Choke Point 2.0, with the Trump-appointed Crypto Czar now taking Coinbase’s concerns seriously.Global Expansion and Future AmbitionsBeyond the U.S., Coinbase continues its international push, expanding into Argentina and reestablishing ties in India. Meanwhile, the rise of meme coins has helped counter speculation that Coinbase’s token listings are losing impact.With a clear focus on revenue growth, infrastructure scaling, and regulatory engagement, Coinbase is positioning itself at the forefront of what it sees as a new era in cryptocurrency adoption.

12 Feb, 2025

Luang Prabang Seeks Visa Waiver Extension for More Chinese Tourists

Luang Prabang Province is calling for the Lao government to extend visa waivers for Chinese tourists, aiming to boost tourism and enhance visitor experiences ahead of a potential new “Visit Laos Year,” with the launch date yet to be decided.Soudaphone Khomthavong, an official from the Luang Prabang Provincial Information, Culture, and Tourism Department, raised these proposals during a cabinet meeting on 5 February.The official recommended that the government consider extending visa waivers for Chinese tour groups and other countries without exemptions, citing the large number of Chinese tourists who visited Laos last year.In 2024, Luang Prabang recorded a total of 438,355 Chinese tourists, making them the largest group of visitors that year, surpassing those from Thailand and South Korea.Additionally, Soudaphone suggested reviewing lessons learned from the 2024 Visit Laos Year campaign to improve future initiatives and better accommodate a potential increase in tourist arrivals.Soudaphone also emphasized the need for government funding at the local level to support tourism promotion activities. She stressed that with better resources, future tourism campaigns could achieve greater success.To improve the visitor experience, Luang Prabang plans to upgrade infrastructure and facilities at tourist sites. This includes improving access roads, enhancing equipment and services at popular attractions, and providing better training for tourism personnel. The province also intends to raise the quality of transportation services for visitors.However, challenges remain from the 2024 Visit Laos Year campaign. Soudaphone highlighted that key access roads to popular destinations, such as Tad Kuang Si Waterfall and the route from Luang Prabang city to the Laos-China railway station, are still in poor condition and require urgent repairs. Upgrading these roads is essential for unlocking the province’s tourism potential.While no specific timeline for these improvements was mentioned, officials remain committed to making Luang Prabang a more accessible and enjoyable destination for tourists in the future.Last year, the government announced free visas for Chinese citizens booking through credit agencies. The policy also included visitors from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, allowing them to stay in Laos for up to 15 days. This initiative was part of the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign and aimed to attract more tourists from these regions.