People join traffic in Vientiane, Laos (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)Vientiane (VNA) – The Lao economy is projected to grow by 4.2 percent in 2022, driven by commercial production for exports and opportunities and benefits arising from the China-Laos Railway, reported Vientiane Times on December 17. The rail link, which became operational recently, will enable Lao products, notably agricultural goods, to have better access to the Chinese market, according to the latest report from the Lao National Economic Research Institute. The Lao government aims to make the country a regional hub and offer transit services. In 2021, the Lao economy is projected to grow at a rate of 3 percent, lower than the goal of 4 percent approved by the National Assembly. The report forecast that the Lao economy will slightly recover in the medium term, but growth will be lower than the pre-pandemic level./.

Source: Viet Nam News December 17, 2021 11:48 UTC