LOCA scales green urban mobility in Lao PDR

LOCA will issue Lao PDR’s first green bond, raising USD 2.5 million to expand its electric taxi fleet and charging network in late 2025.

• Main action: LOCA will issue a green bond in late 2025 to raise USD 2.5 million (denominated in USD and LAK), with proceeds to expand its EV fleet and charging network; the bond is backed by licensed local securities intermediaries and will use a green finance framework being developed with ADB technical assistance.
• Background and details: LOCA launched in 2018, has formalized 1,000+ drivers, deployed 100+ EVs, facilitated 400,000 trips (≈60% by international tourists) and expanded charging from 9 stations in 2023 to 47 by mid-2025, with plans for 200 stations by end-2025; fleet has logged 11 million km and an estimated >2 million kg CO₂ reduction; fares start at 29,500 LAK (USD 1.35) for first 3 km, and rides include accident insurance up to LAK 500 million (USD 53,000).