26 Mar, 2025

Inflation in Laos Drops to 11.2% in March

Laos’ inflation rate eased to 11.2 percent in March, down from 12.7 percent in February and 15.5 percent in January, according to the Lao Statistics Bureau. Despite an annual price increase, overall costs in March declined slightly by 0.1 percent compared to February.This marks a continued downward trend, with the average inflation rate for the first quarter of 2025 standing at 13.1 percent, a significant drop from 24.9 percent in the same period last year.  The most notable decreases were in food and non-alcoholic beverages, transportation and communication, and postal services, with fresh vegetables, fuel, and telephones seeing the biggest price drops.  However, certain sectors continued to experience high price increases, particularly housing, electricity, cooking fuel, healthcare, household appliances, education, dining, and alcohol and tobacco.  The decline in inflation has been attributed to a stable exchange rate, improved local production, especially in agriculture, and steady global fuel prices.

21 Mar, 2025

Pakistan Eyes Bitcoin Mining to Leverage Surplus Energy

Key Takeaways● Pakistan is exploring Bitcoin mining by utilizing surplus energy to attract investment and establish a foothold in the digital asset space.● The formation of the Pakistan Crypto Council signals a shift from the government's previous anti-crypto stance.● The initiative aligns with global trends, particularly in the United States, where regulatory frameworks are being reshaped to support cryptocurrency adoption.● Pakistan aims to develop a transparent and responsible crypto ecosystem to encourage foreign direct investment.Pakistan is positioning itself as a contender in the global cryptocurrency landscape by proposing Bitcoin mining operations powered by unused energy reserves. This initiative, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), reflects a growing acceptance of digital assets within the country’s financial sector.The council’s inaugural meeting on March 21, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, brought together key government and financial figures. At the event, Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, laid out a vision for integrating Bitcoin mining into Pakistan’s energy strategy.“This is the beginning of a new digital chapter for our economy. We are committed to building a transparent, future-ready financial ecosystem that attracts investment, empowers our youth, and puts Pakistan on the global map as a leader in emerging technologies,” said Senator Aurangzeb.A Political Shift Towards CryptoThe establishment of the PCC marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s stance on digital assets. In May 2023, then-Minister of State for Finance and Revenue, Aisha Ghaus Pasha, asserted that cryptocurrencies would never be legalized due to concerns over anti-money laundering (AML) compliance and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regulations. However, in a move signaling a new direction, Pakistan initiated the process of regulating cryptocurrencies as legal tender on November 4, 2024.The Potential of Bitcoin Mining in PakistanWith an abundant yet underutilized energy supply, Pakistan sees Bitcoin mining as a strategic avenue to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth. The PCC aims to craft a regulatory framework that ensures responsible digital asset adoption while maximizing the country’s energy resources.High-ranking officials, including the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP), and the Federal Secretary of IT, attended the council’s first meeting. Discussions emphasized the importance of balancing global best practices with Pakistan’s economic realities. The goal is to develop a regulatory framework that enhances investor confidence and fosters a thriving crypto ecosystem.Pakistan Aligns with Global Crypto TrendsPakistan’s evolving crypto stance mirrors developments in the United States, where regulatory policies are shifting toward broader digital asset adoption. On January 23, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order forming the Working Group on Digital Assets, tasked with regulatory reforms. Additionally, in March 2025, an order was issued to establish a Bitcoin strategic reserve and a separate stockpile for digital assets.These global movements underscore the increasing mainstream acceptance of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. By capitalizing on surplus energy for mining, Pakistan seeks to establish itself as a regional hub for digital assets, paving the way for economic innovation and international investment.