Laos

INTRODUCTION:

Mainland Southeast Asia’s only landlocked state, Laos combines rich natural resources and close political relations to Vietnam with an intimate link to Thai civilization, Laos is literally in the middle of ASEAN’s two strongest GMS states. Laos’ pivotal position in mainland ASEAN has attracted the attention of neighboring China, which has identified its best opportunity yet to establish a concrete foothold right in the heart of ASEAN.

Apart from being one of the world’s fastest growing economies, Laos’ key competitive advantage and value proposition is its location at the heart of the GMS with core infrastructure projects in the pipeline aiming to link the country to all 5 bordering countries of China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. The strategic geographic position and great natural resources of Laos has played a significant role in the many historic dominations and colonization projects imposed upon the nation. However, it is for these same reasons that Laos has the great potential for modernization and poverty reduction, playing a critical niche ‘balancing’ role among the regional states.

ECC is currently working on a number of advisory mandates in the country, utilizing our extensive public and private sector contacts to support our clients.