Country Profile
Overview
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 about 25% of GDP and 73% of total employment.
Trade, Services and Investment
Laos became a member of the WTO in2013. 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. Some New Zealand engineering and other consultants work in these sectors.
Laos will take on the role of Chair for ASEAN in 2016.
Country Statistics
Constitutional: Communist state
Capital: Vientiane (Viangchan)
Major Cities or trading places: Louangprabang, Phonsavanh, Savannakhet Head of State President: Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason Prime Minister: THONGSING Thammavong
Population: 6,803,699 (July 2014 est.)
GDP (PPP): US$20.78 billion (2013 est.)
GDP per capita: US$3,100 (2013 est.)
Total Export Trade: US$2.313 billion (2013 est.)
Main Exports: Wood products, coffee, electricity, tin, copper, gold, cassava
Total Import Trade: US$3.238 billion (2013 est.)
Main Imports: Machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods
Exports to NZ
NZD 2.0 million (2013 est.)
Main export to NZ
Garments, timber
Imports from NZ
NZD 1 million (2013 est.)
Main Imports from NZ
Electrical Machinery, Machinery
Total FDI
http://www.asean.org/news/item/foreign-direct-investment-statistics
US$ 426 million (2013 est.)
Trade agreement(s) with NZ
ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA) Agreement
Quick Links
Latest Currency Converter (currency name=kip): http://asean.fta.govt.nz/currency-converter/
Tariff Finder: http://asean.fta.govt.nz/tariff-finder/
NZ Government Travel Advice: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/south-east-asia
ANZBC Laos Chapter Chair: http://asean.org.nz/about-us/executive-committee/
Doing Business in ASEAN – Laos
NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade Country profile: http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Countries/Asia-South-and-Southeast/Laos.php
Latest monthly trade with NZ:
Trade by Commodity: http://asean.wisdomhealthprosperity.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/NZ-ASEAN-Merchandise-Trade-Summary-July-2014.pdf
Trade with ASEAN: http://asean.wisdomhealthprosperity.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/NZ-ASEAN-Trade-Travel-Linkages-September-2014.pdf
Embassy of Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Canberra, accredited to New Zealand
NZ Head of Mission accredited to Laos
New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok, accredited to Laos
http://www.nzembassy.com/thailand
Laos National Newspaper: http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/
World Bank’s Laos Profile: http://ddp-ext.worldbank.org/ext/ddpreports/ViewSharedReport?&CF=1&REPORT_ID=9147&REQUEST_TYPE=VIEWADVANCED&HF=N&WSP=N
Laos International Trade Website: http://www.laotrade.org.la/
Laos Ministry of Planning and Investment: http://www.investlaos.gov.la/show_encontent.php?contID=1
Lao Customs Website: http://laocustoms.laopdr.net/
Laos Tourism Website: http://www.visit-mekong.com/laos/
Laos National Chamber of Commerce and Industry: http://www.laocci.com/
Major Banks: http://asaralo.com/bank/asian-bank/371-list-of-banks-in-laos
Public Holidays: http://www.asean.org/calendar/public-holidays