The Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos)
Laos is landlocked, sharing borders with China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam. Most main towns are on the Mekong River.
Whilst still a developing country, Laos has useful natural resources and significant potential for hydroelectric power generation. But subsistence agriculture, dominated by rice, accounts for approximately half of GDP and provides 80% of employment.
Laos is pursuing WTO membership. New Zealand has provided some support to Laos during its integration into ASEAN and accession to the WTO. Whilst trade between New Zealand and Laos remains very limited, there is potential in Laos for input in forestry, education, agriculture, mining, civil aviation and hydro electricity generation projects. New Zealand engineering and other consultants work in these sectors.
Country Profile
| Constitutional |
Communist state |
| Capital |
Vientiane (Viangchan) |
| Big cities or major trading places |
Louangprabang, Phonsavanh, Savannakhet |
| Head of State |
President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason |
| Population |
6,834,942 (July 2009 est.) |
| GDP |
US$5.26 billion (2008 est.) |
| GDP per capita |
US$2,100 (2008 est.) |
| Total Export Trade |
US$1.163 billion (2008 est.) |
| Main Exports |
wood products , coffee, tin |
| Total Import Trade |
US$1.384 billion (2008 est.) |
| Main Imports |
machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods |
| Export Trade with NZ |
NZD 0.86 million (2008 est.) |
| Main export to NZ |
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| Import Trade from NZ |
NZD 1 million (2008 est.) |
| Main Imports from NZ |
Electrical Machinery, Machinery |
| Total FDI |
US$ 227.8 million (2008 est.) |
| FDI from NZ |
N/A |
| Total Investment in NZ |
N/A |
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Trade agreement(s) with NZ
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References
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