In the CEA we examine the environmental challenges most closely linked with poverty reduction and shared prosperity in Laos. It shows that pollution is a major public health risk, responsible for one in five deaths, and slows economic growth. Air pollution, both outdoors and inside the 93% of households that rely on solid fuels for cooking.
Category: Laos
Lao officials and Chinese CEOs meet at China-ASEAN Expo
According to Gao Yan, chairperson of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, in 2020, Chinese enterprises invested $1.24 billion directly into Laos, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, up 8.9% year on year.
Laos and China innovate poverty reduction cooperation along Mekong River
Along the Mekong River which winds through the mountains in northern and central Laos, the poverty alleviation projects with China aid are solidly advanced there with innovation made.
LOCA and BYD LAO launch EV acceleration pilot program
The program is aiming to accelerate the electric vehicle adoption among LOCA taxi and delivery drivers to drive down the cost and create a long-term environmental impact. The two companies are aiming to use this initiative to show the policymaker and the consumers that the EV is most suitable for the Lao market as the country’s vision is to be the battery of Southeast Asia.
Illegal logging operation discovered at Phou Phanang
The Phou Phanang National Conversation Area is a protected national park, with logging illegal under an order issued by the Mayor of Vientiane Capital on 18 August this year.
Pushing ahead with large dam projects, despite uncertainty of power purchases
An official form the Lao Ministry of Mines stated that the government had not received a formal notice from the Thai Energy Ministry indicating that officials were not going to sign PPAs from the four Lao dams. “If Thailand doesn’t buy electricity from those four dams, we’ll sell it to China, Vietnam, and Cambodia,” said the official.
Chinese investments in Laos soar, but little wealth is spread
There is a huge gap between the value of Chinese investments in Laos and the negative impacts they create, a legal advisor said, adding, “No one can express concerns about these things in public out of fear for their safety.” Further, added a Lao businessman, also speaking on condition of anonymity. “It makes no sense to just tell people the high value of Chinese investments,”
How Laos can connect health, environment, and economic recovery: World Bank
Pollution is a public health major risk that slows economic growth. Environmental health risks result in around 10,000 deaths each year — over 20% of total deaths in Laos — and cause more than 100 million days of illness.
Lao firm to manage Vung Ang Seaport in central Vietnam
The company’s management of the sea trade route will be significant in supporting the Lao government’s effort to transform landlocked Laos to become a land-linked one and boosting connectivity within the region and beyond.
100m giant Buddha statue to grace US$5 billion Chinese-led SEZ
The government believes the US$5 billion project in Vientiane will significantly boost the country’s economic growth and generate job opportunities for local people. Upon completion, the 99-year concession project will encompass a residential area, public parks and green spaces, a lake, a hospital, an education centre, restaurants, a sports complex, and a commercial centre.