The Economy of Laos
Abstract
Fifty years after the communist revolution of 1975, Laos is facing a severe economic and fiscal crisis. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the Lao economy with particular focus on economic difficulties and structural vulnerabilities. After a study of Laos’s modern economic system, recent economic developments and main drivers of economic growth are discussed. Moreover, the chapter addresses questions of international trade relations and FDI, of fiscal policy and the current public debt crisis, and of efforts to reduce inflation using monetary policy.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Southeast Asian Sociopolitical Studies
Monetary Policy and Economic Impact
Economic
financial
and policy analysis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 151–161
- Publication date
- 2 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter