LIDC - Laos

• GDP US $ 1660 in 2014, 73% in agriculture, communist but been a member of ASEAN since 1997
• Net migration loss at a high (1.1 per 1000), remittances important, but human trafficking an issue
• Most immigrants from Vietnam for employment in government-driven programmes in construction and mining
• 2013 - 1.29 million Laos-born emigrants lived abroad mainly in Thailand (daily minimum wage 300 vs 80 baht)
• Lots of demand for unskilled labour in Thailand's rapidly-growing economy as less education in Laos
• 2013 - 36% under 15, vulnerable and exploited in human trafficking, don't get required paperwork
• Lao PDR work with UNICEF etc. with 3 Ps - prevention such as awareness campaigns and education
• Protection - repatriation and reintegration of returning migrants including counselling, prosecution - investigating, training officials
• 2012 - Laos signed agreements to build rail links between Thailand and Vietnam -> development
• Thailand has funded a large health service development and drugs treatment centre in Laos
• Bilateral relations with Vietnam -> economic cooperation, over 400 investment projects in Laos
• Remittances 2% of GDP (US $ 435 million) which helps the 22% who live below the poverty line
• Loss of skilled labour such as carpenters and mechanics to Thailand due to freer movement
• Laos garment industry largest sector of manufacturing employment, but better working conditions for young female workers