Laos

BMI View: The country's medium and long-term growth outlook is positive, but increasingly reliant on the export of commodities and hydropower. While we feel that harnessing Laos'... 2006-09-07

A shift at the top of Laos' political pyramid will not fundamentally alter the country's direction. Indeed, the shuffle, spurred in part by the April National Assembly election, is... 2006-07-06

One of the more extraordinary examples of the 'South-South' investment phenomenon is underway in Southeast Asia. Laos is increasingly reliant on aid and investment from neighbouring... 2006-07-05

Laos is showing signs of economic life. Rapid East Asian growth is proving beneficial to the former French colony, which is hastily opening itself up to external investment. In particular,... 2006-05-17

We estimate that the economy grew 7.3% in 2005 and will maintain a high growth rate of 7% in the year ahead. Transition towards a market economy and healthy growth in exports should... 2006-03-20

According to data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have declined from an annual average of US$67mn between... 2006-03-15

The government has set an average GDP growth target for the 2006-2010 period of 7.5% annually compared with 6.2% annual average growth in the previous five years. To achieve this... 2006-01-23

The government has now more or less completed the drafting of the law on VAT as well as set out a timetable for its implementation. The draft law is to be put before the National... 2006-01-19

Year-on-year inflation remains in single figures, falling to 7.1% in February from 8.1% in January. In 2004 annual average inflation eased to 10.5%, from 15.5% in 2003. Although... 2005-11-14

In September, the government hosted the 37th ASEAN economic ministers meeting (AEM) as part of its commitments as chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Addressing... 2005-11-08