Nation sees big changes in 39 years Laos has made significant advances in national development over the past 39 years after the country had a long history of fighting back against the colonialists. The road along the Mekong in Vientiane creates a new image for a moder rising Laos. It was on December 2, 1975 that the multi-ethnic people of the country were able to defeat the foreign occupants and establish the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic. The victory did not only reflect the fact that the country had gained independence but also signified that the Lao people had been freed from the oppression of the colonialists. That date is now commemorated as National Day, when the nation reflects upon its many achievements but also the great sacrifice of the people in its development. It is a time to celebrate by proudly flying Lao flags in front of our homes, offices and businesses to show thanks and signify the unity of this day. Authorities are also decorating towns and organising activities to mark the day. Since national liberation in 1975, Laos has strived to maintain the continued growth of its economy and pursued poverty reduction so as to ensure the country is able to graduate from least developed country status by 2020. According to the Party Propaganda and Training Board, between 1986 and 1990 the average growth of the Lao economy was reported at only 4.8 percent, rising to 6.4 percent between 1991 and 1995. Between 1996-2005, the average economic growth was 6.2 percent, rising to 7.9 percent in the period between 2006 and 2010 and 8 percent in 2012 and 2013. Income per capita in 2013 reached US$1,534 (about 12 million kip) while poor families have declined in number to 92,328, equal to 8.11 percent of the countrys total 1,138,287 families. The number of poor districts has declined to 30 which is equal to 20.27 percent of the countrys total 148 districts. Laos is among the most mountainous countries in the region. Currently the country has a road network with a total length of over 45,800km, an increase of 4.5 percent annually. Of the total, paved roads cover a total length of over 7,800km. The countrys development began after national liberation in 1975 and so a lot of funding is required to build more roads and other necessary infrastructure to serve commercial production. The road network is the principle means of transport in Laos, which lacks a national railway, so all goods being shipped either north or south must travel by road, with the exception of some river freight to and from China. Over the past 39 years, all sectors have been growing in a satisfactory manner including education, health, agriculture, energy and mines, trade and telecommunications. The improvement in these sectors has contributed to boost economic growth and provide better services for people to improve their livelihoods. In addition, Laos has strived to build its foreign policy around the principles of peace, independence, friendship and cooperation. It has established diplomatic relationships with 136 nations around the world.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 03:38:32 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015