Building a Strong Middle Class in Asia

Investing in training and practical education will stimulate and diversify the job market in Asia - moving the poor into middle class. Watch Video

Energy Cooperation in the GMS: Progress, Prospects, and Priorities

An ADB report, Assessment of the Greater Mekong Subregion Energy Sector Development: Progress, Prospects, and Regional Investment Priorities, updates information on regional energy resources and analyzes prospects for energy sector development and how regional cooperation can contribute to national goals. Read More

Asian Economies Bounce Back

Developing country economies in Asia are returning to strong growth driven by rising consumption and intraregional trade. Read More

Risk of Asset Price Bubble Looms over Emerging East Asia

Strong demand for emerging East Asia’s local currency bonds continues but regulators must manage risks from high capital inflows. Read More

Overview

Robust growth has helped to nearly halve poverty in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Investments in mining and hydropower in recent years have driven much of the growth of the economy. However, the economic transformation continues to pose challenges for the country. Continued structural transformation and economic diversification is needed to expand opportunities, provide jobs for a young population, and for growth to become more inclusive. At the same time, high economic growth will need improved natural resource and environmental management.

ADB's new country partnership strategy, 2012–2016, for Lao PDR is designed to help the government diversify the economy in a sustainable inclusive manner, through operations in agriculture and natural resources, education, energy, water supply and other municipal infrastructure and services, and public sector management.

Fast Facts

6.52 (2012)
Population in millions

2.1% (2010-2012)
Annual population growth rate

27.6% (2008)
Population living below the national poverty line

ADB Lending

Amount ($M) / %
Sector (No. of loans)
207.24 / 11.63
Agriculture (18)
 
92.20 / 5.17
Education (6)
 
788.44 / 44.25
Energy (19)
 
79.00 / 4.43
Finance (6)
 
25.00 / 1.40
Health (2)
 
13.90 / 0.78
Industry and Trade (2)
 
7.50 / 0.42
Public Sector (2)
 
351.70 / 19.74
Transport and ICT (13)
 
196.95 / 11.05
Water Supply (11)
 
20.00 / 1.12
Multisector (1)
 
1,781.93 / 100.00
TOTAL (80)
Cumulative as of 31 December 2012