International Aid not working in Laos ?

Date: Sep 27, 2009

A former senior Lao official in international co-operation has warned that Laos’ continued dependence on foreign aid could lead the nation to ruin.

Despite the three-fold increase in foreign aid since Lao’s economic liberalisation in the 1980s, more than 10 percent of Lao people continue to live below the international poverty line.

And the nation continues to be one of the poorest in South-East Asia.

The book “History of Aid to Laos: Motivation and Impacts” was launched this week. It examines – for the first time - the 55 year history of foreign aid in Laos.

Author Viliam Phraxayavong argues that successive governments in Laos have mismanaged foreign aid.

He also contends that foreign donors have often used aid to serve their own political and economic interests, often to the detriment of Laos.

http://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/eg/2009-09-26T03_12_10-07_00

Date: Sep 27, 2009

There is a similar document done in Africa. It tackles on issue why most of Africa remained poor despited years and years of foreign assisantance. It turned out that the heavy reliance on foreign aid itself was the cuprit for keeping people poor. As long as majority of the people are poor, aid will continue to pour in.

I hope its not the same case in Laos. The country has to learn how to stand in its own feet.

Date: Sep 27, 2009

That mean a good news for Lao people. Our healthy & living standard is higher and better so I'm happy that our life is no more rely on International aid

Today we can stand by our own legs and take care of our people by our people.