Top-ten countries invest in Laos

(KPL) Vietnam, China and Thailand have become the top-ten list of largest foreign investors in Laos over the first six months of this year, according to a recent report of Ministry of Investment and Planning.
In the first half of 2008-2009 fiscal year, the Ministry of Investment and Planning approved 116 projects with total investment of US$3.6 billion.
Despite a global financial crisis, the number of international investment in Laos was upward. It considered to be increased by two folds compared to the same period of last year which had only US$1.4 billion.
The provinces are current being attracted; Savannakhet, Champassak and Vientiane.
Savannakhet province has approved totally 81 projects, of which mining, oil and gas exploration projects are the main investment projects.
The largest foreign investment project is bauxite and aluminum mining exploration projects with plants construction. These projects are a large joint investment among Laos, Thailand and China with total investment of US$2 billion. The projects are located in the southernmost part of Laos.