Will COVID-19 erase ASEAN’s progress on poverty in recent years?
As COVID-19 will drive up poverty rates in ASEAN, affecting some countries more than others, experts are worried it could undo years of hard work.
Laos
Chinese-owned banana plantations expand in Laos despite lingering environmental and health concerns
The Laotian government lifted its ban on banana plantations last year but health and environmental problems caused by agricultural chemicals persist.
Will climate change spell the end of coal and hydropower in the Mekong?
As droughts and flooding in the Mekong River basin become harsher and more frequent due to the effects of climate change, coal and hydropower may no longer be viable development paths for the region.
Southeast Asian border demarcation talks carry pledges to coal power and political repression
New Myanmar-China and Laos-Cambodia border agreements saw leaders exploit power dynamics to push national interests that risk exacerbating ethnic conflicts and political repression.
Climate change adds a new dimension to Laos’ UXO challenges
Unpredictable weather patterns pose new UXO threats to Laotians. To meet these threats, international governments will have to make changes in the current aid distribution model.
The Lao National Assembly refocuses attention on the issue of corruption
Corruption in Laos is getting worse. The country’s political structure creates an environment where corruption thrives. But conversation is sewing the seeds for change.
Lao government contests findings of UN poverty report
The Lao government has rejected the findings of a UN report that claims the country’s economic model isn’t helping poverty and inequality.
Can Laos manage its debt to China?
Laos borrowed heavily from China to finance key infrastructure and development projects. Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith claims the debts are manageable. Is he right?
China-Laos railway marred by compensation issues and pollution
The new China-Laos railway is spanning the Mekong River and drilling through mountains. So far, many local Laotians are seeing more trouble than benefits from the project.
Are recovery efforts for the Lao dam collapse failing local communities?
Survivors of last year’s dam collapse in Attapeu, Laos are starting to see compensation from the dam’s developers. But it falls short of their needs.