Chinese investments in Lao PDR

Explore the myths and realities of Chinese economic presence in Lao. Decrypt its investment strategy  with Danielle Tan, Kham Vorapeth, François Jullien.

>>> Lao PDR is a remote country, having long common history with China. The golden age of the silk road, caravansary and historic trade exchanges  between Yunnan and South East-Asia has been renewed trough the great mekong program set up by the ADB (the Asian Development Bank). This new partnership led thousands of chinese people on the road, migrating  to Lao along the long north-south oriented economic  corridor linking  Kunming city  to Bangkok city.

Many researchers and many development specialists in Lao PDR and overseas are being concerned by this growing relationship, seeing Lao PDR as weak and unable to resist the powerful big China, a threat for Lao sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Though, we have to overcome this poor image presenting Lao PDR as a weak partner and a victim. The growing investment and the presence of china do not affect the power of Lao government. On the contrary, it allows Lao state to better face the inherent challenges of globalization, those of the market economy and maintain its power. Chinese wires have become key partners and allies in the economic development of Lao PDR. <<<

Thursday,  1 st of March, 2016

INALCO, 65 rue des Grands Moulins, Paris

Roundtable Conference.

more about china-lao relations