Lao PDR
The Lao PDR joined the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at its founding in 1966 and, as of the end of December 2009, has received approved loans and grants totaling $1.45 billion, with technical assistance projects amounting to $122.6 million. ADB has extended development assistance to the Lao PDR since 1968 and continues to remain the largest multilateral financier to the country.
Asian Development Outlook 2010: Lao People's Democratic Republic [ PDF ]Rising production of copper, gold, and silver coupled with stimulative government policies helped the economy maintain solid growth in 2009. The pace of growth is forecast to step up in both 2010 and 2011, underpinned by expansion in the mining and hydropower industries. Inflation, curtailed in 2009, will pick up this year. Rapid increases in credit have raised macroeconomic and banking system risks. Longer-term challenges involve diversifying sources of growth and generating more employment.
Feature Stories
23 July 2010Tea and Prosperity Along Ancient Trade Route A new ADB-supported road stretching from the People's Republic of China through Lao PDR following the Tea Horse pathway is enhancing the region's potential for economic growth.
31 January 2009Hydropower Helps Lift Rural Communities In Lao PDR, a hydroelectric project builds dams that address environmental and social problems and steer revenue toward the country's poorest people.
Recently Updated Projects
