India - Lao Business and Cultural Council

Lao, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, is known for its mountainous terrain, Buddhist monasteries, and the Mekong River. Its capital is Vientiane. The country has a rich cultural heritage and a predominantly agricultural economy.

Ambassador and Consul General

Global India Business Forum presented Honorary membership to H.E. Bounneme Chouanghom, Ambassador, Embassy of Lao P.D.R in New Delhi.A discussion to have a collaboration between GIBF and Lao to explore different business opportunities and trade between two countries was held. Global President of GIBF, Dr. Jitendra Joshi and Co-Founder & Director - Global Operations, Deepali Gadkari attended the meeting.

Wood, clothing, coffee, electricity, metals, corn, rubber, timber, mining commodities and hydroelectricity.

Machinery, equipment and motor vehicles, iron and steel, telecommunication equipment, beverages and cement.

About Lao

ABOUT Lao

Lao, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Bordered by Myanmar and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the southeast, and Thailand to the west, it has a population of approximately 7 million people. The capital and largest city is Vientiane.
Lao is known for its mountainous terrain, extensive river systems, and lush forests. The Mekong River, one of the most significant rivers in the region, runs through the country, providing crucial resources for agriculture and transport.
Historically, Lao was part of the Lan Xang Kingdom, which lasted from the 14th to the 18th century before becoming a French protectorate in the late 19th century. It gained independence in 1953, leading to a period of internal conflict culminating in the establishment of a communist government in 1975.
The Lao economy is primarily agrarian, with rice being the staple crop. Other key economic activities include hydropower, mining, and tourism. Lao is known for its rich cultural heritage, including Buddhist temples, traditional festivals, and unique textiles. Despite its natural beauty and cultural wealth, Lao faces challenges such as poverty, infrastructure development, and limited healthcare and educational resources. However, the country continues to make strides toward modernization and economic growth.

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Business Opportunities in Lao

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN Lao

The Lao government introduced more pragmatic development policies in 1980 and has been implementing them. By 1986 it introduced market-oriented reforms. This opened the channels for private and state enterprises and they operated side by side. The government also encouraged foreign investment. Besides energy production and mining, Lao is mainly into food processing (rice milling and beverage production—mostly beer and soft drinks), sawmilling, the production of building materials (e.g., nails and brick). It also manufactures a variety of light consumer goods (primarily plastic products, tobacco and cigarettes, and detergents). Garment production is majorly for export, has been expanding rapidly. Lao manufacturing sector also includes handicrafts. Foreigners can invest in a number of businesses. They can do business by being a sole proprietor, having limited liability company (including foreign-owned company and joint-venture company), partnerships, branch of a foreign corporation, a representative office, or a business cooperation by contract.

Exports and Imports In Lao

Overview In 2022, Lao was the number 128 economy in the world in terms of GDP (current US$), the number 106 in total exports, the number 128 in total imports, the number 149 economy in terms of GDP per capita (current US$) and the number 100 most complex economy according to the Economic Complexity Index (ECI) .

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Top Exports of Lao

The top exports of Lao are Electricity ($2.38B), Gold ($852M), Rubber ($597M), Potassic Fertilizers ($583M), and Other Uncoated Paper ($448M), exporting mostly to Thailand ($3.29B), China ($2.73B), Vietnam ($978M), Australia ($351M), and United States of America ($281M).

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Top Imports of Lao

The top imports of Lao are Refined Petroleum ($1.25B), Gold ($332M), Other Electrical Machinery ($279M), Raw Sugar ($250M), and Cars ($208M), importing mostly from Thailand ($4.5B), China ($2.1B), Vietnam ($650M), Malaysia ($215M), and Singapore ($95.5M).

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