Of the 53 countries that have invested in Laos, China has the largest number of investments, undertaking a total of 813 projects worth US$ 16 billion.
Category: Laos
Laos drowning in debt that can’t be repaid: experts
“It is an environmental tragedy of the highest order that key rivers in Laos, such as the majestic Nam Ou, have been sacrificed to build these dams for an outcome that has seen not state revenues and sustainable development for the people of Laos, but elevated debt burdens and financial stress.”
Laos-China Railway scheduled to open December 2nd
Authorities are now resolving a number of final issues, including compensating individuals who have been affected by the Laos-China railway project and dealing with areas where the railway crosses highways.
Human rights claims undermine China’s investment abroad, report finds
The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre logged 679 charges of human rights abuse against Chinese companies operating abroad between 2013 and 2020. Among the key findeings were problems associated with lost livelihoods linked to a rail project in Laos were noted, the vast majority of the renewable energy complaints were related to hydropower projects, and Myanmar saw the most allegations of any country with 97.
Laos, Vietnam ink 14 new agreements, including for hydropower development
These include a Memorandum of Understanding on hydropower development on the Ma River in Huaphan province, agreement to buy electricity from the Nam Ou and Nam Ngum 4 dams, and other electricity purchasing and mining agreements.
Laos’ China-funded belt and road railway: Thailand licks its lips, but fears for Luang Prabang’s World Heritage Site
Laos could struggle to repay Chinese debt; that only a fraction of the population will benefit; and that overtourism could threaten Luang Prabang’s world heritage status
Egat to import more electricity from Laos
State-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) plans to import an additional 1,200 megawatts of electricity from hydroelectric power plants in Laos under a long-term purchase contract.
Fighting poverty by protecting landscapes
Vientiane, August 5, 2021 – The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the World Bank have launched a $57 million Lao Landscapes and Livelihoods Project that will generate jobs and income in rural areas by promoting investment in environmentally sustainable and socially-responsible forest and landscape management, and in the preservation of Lao PDR’s natural capital.
Switzerland and Laos boost development programme
The accord includes closer cooperation on employment, vocational education and training, as well as agriculture and food security.