Files
Abstract
Laos is a small, open, least-developed country (LDC) in Southeast Asia. However, it is a
resource-rich economy with over 570 identified mineral deposits. As a result, Laos has
experienced massive inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the mining and
hydroelectricity sectors since 2003. Despite the likelihood that resource booms will carry
both positive and negative impacts on the Lao economy, this issue has been underresearched
in Laos. This study thus lays out a framework to quantify the impacts of
resource booms on the macro economy and on poverty in Laos using a computable
general equilibrium (CGE) model. We find that the higher capital stock and productivity
led to increased value added, production, exports and investment in the mining sector,
resulting in higher real GDP, exports and investment. Unfortunately, the associated Dutch
disease effects (particularly real exchange rate appreciation) negatively impact real
production and value added in agriculture, industry and government services.