USAID promotes inclusive growth to build more stable and prosperous societies.

Mark Walter, USAID Laos-U.S. International and ASEAN Integration

Laos is among the least developed and poorest countries in Asia, but significant economic growth in the past decade has benefited the country. Challenges remain, however, and the Lao economy remains dependent on external demand for its natural resources, particularly mining, hydropower and forestry. Regulatory capacity and knowledge of market economies within the Government of Laos is limited and threatens future sustainable growth and the country's ability to address economic vulnerabilities.

USAID's Laos-U.S. international and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Integration (LUNA II) project is helping Laos further integrate into the global economy by developing and implementing sound, modern, transparent and inclusive economic policies and regulations. Integration within the global economy will help generate sustainable trade and investment and create the conditions for improved access to economic opportunities and higher incomes for men and women from all areas of Lao society. Higher incomes are an essential piece of Laos' ultimate goal of achieving middle-income country status by 2020.

Laos-U.S. International and ASEAN Integration